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Grenade Attack on Ayutthaya Buffalo Trader's Home Sparks Urgent Investigation Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod In a shocking early morning incident on April 9, a buffalo trader in Ayutthaya was targeted by unidentified assailants who threw grenades at his home, causing substantial damage but fortunately resulting in no injuries. The attack occurred in Phra Ya Ban Lue subdistrict, Lat Bua Luang district, and left the household in distress and their property severely damaged. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357528-grenade-attack-on-ayutthaya-buffalo-traders-home-sparks-urgent-investigation/

Pictures courtesy of KhaoSod In a shocking early morning incident on April 9, a buffalo trader in Ayutthaya was targeted by unidentified assailants who threw grenades at his home, causing substantial damage but fortunately resulting in no injuries. The attack occurred in Phra Ya Ban Lue subdistrict, Lat Bua Luang district, and left the household in distress and their property severely damaged. The victim, 32-year-old Bungmat, discovered the aftermath of the attack upon returning from delivering cattle to customers. At home during the attack were his wife, child, and elderly mother, who were unharmed but deeply frightened. CCTV footage revealed a man approaching the property and throwing two grenades toward the house, triggering loud explosions that shattered windows, punctured vehicle tyres, and perforated the carport roof. Bungmat, who has worked in the cattle trading industry for over 15 years without any known conflicts or rivals, expressed bewilderment over the possible motive for the attack. As his family lives in fear of further incidents, he is urging police to quickly apprehend the culprits to ensure their safety. Nadjwa, Bungmat's wife, recounted being awakened by the explosions, initially mistaking the noises for a malfunctioning pneumatic pump. As she ventured outside to assess the situation, she found a crater and grenade pins, indicating the deliberate nature of the attack. Despite notifying local authorities, the family remains on edge until those responsible are apprehended. In response, police from Lat Bua Luang Police Station, supported by investigative and forensic teams from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, have launched an investigation. They are carefully collecting evidence from the scene to identify and capture the perpetrators swiftly, in hopes of providing the family peace of mind and preventing any future incidents, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

IMF Urges Thailand to Strengthen Support for Families Facing Debt Crisis Picture courtesy of Wikipedia The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning to Thailand to enhance support for struggling families to prevent millions from remaining trapped in a debilitating cycle of debt. Released on April 9, the IMF's Country Focus report emphasizes that over half of Thai workers lack formal employment, which deprives them of job security and essential social protections, leaving them vulnerable to economic disruptions. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357527-imf-urges-thailand-to-strengthen-support-for-families-facing-debt-crisis/

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning to Thailand to enhance support for struggling families to prevent millions from remaining trapped in a debilitating cycle of debt. Released on April 9, the IMF's Country Focus report emphasizes that over half of Thai workers lack formal employment, which deprives them of job security and essential social protections, leaving them vulnerable to economic disruptions. Many households are resorting to borrowing just to cover basic living expenses, creating a cycle of informal debt that poses a threat to Thailand's financial stability. Although the household debt-to-GDP ratio has slightly decreased to 89% from its pandemic peak, it remains worryingly high. An IMF spokesperson cautions that if this issue is addressed too aggressively without considering broader implications, it could harm consumer spending and business confidence by inadvertently tightening credit. To adequately address the issue, the IMF recommends that Thai policymakers intensify social protections, decrease dependence on informal lending, and foster long-term financial resilience. Thai officials have already initiated several measures, such as repayment assistance, debt restructuring, regulatory crackdowns, and financial literacy campaigns. A significant initiative includes the You Fight, We Help relief scheme introduced in December 2024, which offers borrowers reduced payments, waived interest, and flexible repayment terms. The Bank of Thailand's responsible lending guidelines, implemented in January 2024, have facilitated the restructuring of over 7 million accounts, with new borrowing caps based on asset levels aimed at curbing excessive debt. However, the IMF insists that further action is necessary, particularly concerning persistent, non-viable debt that permanently excludes borrowers from the formal credit system. The report suggests streamlining personal bankruptcy laws and establishing an efficient debt resolution system. It also urges the Thai government to collaborate with the private sector to lower the costs of household debt resolution. The IMF cites Brazil as a successful example, highlighting a program that allowed defaulters to settle loans at significant discounts through banks without requiring taxpayer funds. This initiative helped over 15 million people restructure debts totalling 52 billion reals, nearly 0.5% of Brazil's GDP between July 2023 and May 2024. The IMF's message is unequivocal: to prevent a household debt crisis from escalating into a national one, Thailand must invest in sustainable support mechanisms for its most vulnerable citizens or risk them falling further into financial distress, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Chinese Travel Agents Slash Prices to Attract Thai Tourists for Songkran Picture courtesy of China Daily As Songkran approaches, Chinese travel agents are offering heavily discounted tickets to lure Thai tourists, following a significant drop in Chinese visitors to Thailand. By slashing fares up to 50%, tour operators aim to fill planes and recover from a tough start to the year marked by an earthquake and safety concerns that deterred Chinese tourists. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357526-chinese-travel-agents-slash-prices-to-attract-thai-tourists-for-songkran/

Picture courtesy of China Daily As Songkran approaches, Chinese travel agents are offering heavily discounted tickets to lure Thai tourists, following a significant drop in Chinese visitors to Thailand. By slashing fares up to 50%, tour operators aim to fill planes and recover from a tough start to the year marked by an earthquake and safety concerns that deterred Chinese tourists. Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, an advisor to the Thai Travel Agents Association, noted, “Thais now see China as a safe destination with great transport links,” making it a popular choice for outbound travel during Songkran. Initially, travel agencies had purchased large blocks of tickets for China-bound flights, anticipating a surge in tourism due to a new visa-free agreement between Thailand and China. However, this expected boom was undermined by a wave of cancellations linked to concerns over scams, following a high-profile incident involving a Chinese actor. The discounted tickets have become attractive to Thai travellers, who are helping fill the void left by the absent Chinese tourists. While agents are facing losses of 3,000 to 5,000 baht per seat, this is preferable to leaving seats empty, which could cost up to 10,000 baht per ticket. As a result, China is poised to surpass Japan as the preferred overseas destination for Thai tourists during Songkran. Tour packages to China start at a competitive 15,000 baht—half the price of a typical trip to Japan. Thanapol anticipates that Thai visits to China could exceed a million this year, potentially outshining last year's million Thai tourists to Japan. In contrast, South Korea is losing appeal due to tighter immigration rules and the complex process of obtaining a Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation. With these deals, China offers a compelling, affordable option for Thai travellers looking for their spring holiday, reshaping travel dynamics in the region this year, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Thailand Seeks Private Sector Involvement to Boost MotoGP Event File photo for reference only The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is in talks to extend the contract for hosting MotoGP races in the country. As these discussions progress, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong is advocating for greater involvement from the private sector to enhance the event's success and reduce government expenses, as reported by Amarin TV on April 11. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357525-thailand-seeks-private-sector-involvement-to-boost-motogp-event/

File photo for reference only The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is in talks to extend the contract for hosting MotoGP races in the country. As these discussions progress, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong is advocating for greater involvement from the private sector to enhance the event's success and reduce government expenses, as reported by Amarin TV on April 11. Held at the Chang International Circuit near Buriram, the Thailand MotoGP launched in 2018. While the races were paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they are scheduled to continue until at least 2026. Minister Sorawong highlighted the potential financial and popularity benefits that private sector participation could bring, emphasizing that this move is strictly about bolstering the sport and not linked to political agendas. Newin Chidchob, president of Buriram United Football Club, supports this viewpoint, noting the significant income MotoGP generates for Thailand. Sorawong confirmed ongoing negotiations to extend the MotoGP licence and address a proposed 5% fee increase. He also mentioned that recent considerations to involve the private sector are unrelated to postponed government legislation on opening casinos in entertainment complexes, which faced opposition. Meanwhile, on the topic of hosting Formula 1 racing in Thailand, Sorawong revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being drafted, with studies focusing on the feasibility of a street circuit. The government is targeting 2028 to host the event. These steps underscore Thailand's commitment to enhancing its global sporting profile through strategic private partnerships, aiming to leverage the economic and spectator appeal of world-class motorsport events like MotoGP and potentially Formula 1, reported Thai News Room. -- 2025-04-11

Bangkok Offers Waste Collection Discounts for Sorting Food Scraps File photo for reference only In a bid to encourage better waste management, households in six Bangkok districts can soon enjoy a discount on their rubbish collection fees by sorting their food scraps separately from general waste. This initiative, announced by Pornphrom Vikitsreth, an adviser to the Bangkok governor, aims to incentivise residents to adopt cleaner waste disposal habits, especially with the upcoming increase in rubbish collection fees set for October. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357524-bangkok-offers-waste-collection-discounts-for-sorting-food-scraps/

File photo for reference only In a bid to encourage better waste management, households in six Bangkok districts can soon enjoy a discount on their rubbish collection fees by sorting their food scraps separately from general waste. This initiative, announced by Pornphrom Vikitsreth, an adviser to the Bangkok governor, aims to incentivise residents to adopt cleaner waste disposal habits, especially with the upcoming increase in rubbish collection fees set for October. Starting April 21, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will initiate food waste collection in the districts of Bang Phlat, Bang Kho Laem, Lat Phrao, Phaya Thai, Thon Buri, and Lat Krabang. Residents interested in participating can register through the BKK Waste Pay mobile application. Successfully registered households will receive green waste bags specifically for food scraps. The BMA's Environment Department, alongside local officials in the participating districts, will assess the effectiveness of the project before considering its extension to other areas of the city. Food waste collection will occur two to three times a week, offering a convenient solution for those committed to this eco-friendly practice. In addition to the discount incentive, the BMA is also promoting the reuse of food waste as animal feed or fertiliser, further enhancing the environmental benefits of this initiative. By taking part in this programme, residents can contribute to reducing landfill waste while enjoying savings on collection fees, aligning with broader sustainability goals in Bangkok, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-04-11

Chiang Mai Faces Severe Air Pollution, Ranks Ninth Globally File photo for reference only Chiang Mai Municipality has been ranked as the ninth most polluted city worldwide, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 147, according to data from IQAir as of Friday morning. This ranking places Chiang Mai among the world's most affected areas in terms of air quality, as residents face air pollution that is far above the safe range. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357523-chiang-mai-faces-severe-air-pollution-ranks-ninth-globally/

File photo for reference only Chiang Mai Municipality has been ranked as the ninth most polluted city worldwide, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 147, according to data from IQAir as of Friday morning. This ranking places Chiang Mai among the world's most affected areas in terms of air quality, as residents face air pollution that is far above the safe range. Efforts to combat this environmental concern are underway, with coordinated actions by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the Royal Thai Army. These efforts focus on mitigating air pollution across 17 northern provinces enduring significant air quality issues. On Thursday, the DDPM’s Guardian Team deployed a KA-32 helicopter to battle fires burning in the Pang Makham Pom conservation forest within Chiang Mai’s Chai Prakan district. The helicopter executed eight sorties, releasing an impressive 24,000 litres of water to douse the flames, before completing its mission at the 7th Infantry Division in Mae Rim district by 3:50 pm. Despite these efforts, the pollution levels remained critically high. Chiang Mai's AQI of 147 is starkly above the 0–50 range considered safe for air quality. This places it behind other major cities like Beijing, China (169 AQI), and Jakarta, Indonesia (162 AQI), which are also grappling with significant pollution levels. Kuwait City has topped the global list with an extraordinarily high AQI of 2,005, followed by Baghdad, Iraq (754), and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (224), all facing critical air quality challenges. The current ranking of the world's most polluted cities as of 9 am includes: Kuwait City, Kuwait – 2,005 AQI Baghdad, Iraq – 754 AQI Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – 224 AQI Beijing, China – 169 AQI Jakarta, Indonesia – 162 AQI Shanghai, China – 161 AQI Hanoi, Vietnam – 158 AQI Manila, Philippines – 152 AQI Chiang Mai Municipality, Thailand – 147 AQI Incheon, South Korea – 140 AQI As the situation develops, authorities continue their dedicated efforts to alleviate the pollution crisis in Chiang Mai and surrounding regions, focusing on reducing forest fires, which significantly contribute to the poor air quality. Residents are advised to stay informed and take precautions to protect their health amid these challenging conditions, reported The Nation. -- 2025-04-11

Concerns Grow as Injured Foreigner Vanishes After Bar Brawl on Koh Lanta Photo via Amarin TV Authorities and residents are concerned after a foreign man, visibly injured and covered in blood, disappeared on a motorcycle following a brawl at a bar on Koh Lanta, an island in Thailand's southern province of Krabi. The incident unfolded on the evening of April 9 and has since raised alarms locally due to its violent nature and the man's unresolved whereabouts. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357521-concerns-grow-as-injured-foreigner-vanishes-after-bar-brawl-on-koh-lanta/

Photo via Amarin TV Authorities and residents are concerned after a foreign man, visibly injured and covered in blood, disappeared on a motorcycle following a brawl at a bar on Koh Lanta, an island in Thailand's southern province of Krabi. The incident unfolded on the evening of April 9 and has since raised alarms locally due to its violent nature and the man's unresolved whereabouts. A Thai bar owner captured and shared footage of the altercation on social media, providing a glimpse into the tense aftermath. The video, recorded at approximately 10:30 pm, shows a foreign man with bloodstains across his body exiting the bar and attempting to leave on a motorcycle. Two other foreigners followed suit on their bikes, but a man in brown shorts took steps to block the injured man's departure, leading to a heated exchange. Despite the confrontation, the injured man collided with a parked motorcycle before managing to flee the scene. The bar owner, who documented the incident, was heard in the recording speculating about a possible stabbing, saying, “Stabbing? I see a hole in his body there. It’s stabbing.” He suggested the injured man's friends seek medical assistance, but this advice was seemingly ignored as no one acted upon it. Staff at the bar recounted that the man had arrived with a group of five to six friends, who had been drinking together since early evening. An argument erupted among them, escalating into a physical fight where one member ended up with a bloody wound. The chaotic scene has left the exact cause of the injury and the identity of any attacker unclear. In response to the destruction caused during the fracas, the bar owner reported the incident to the police, citing damage to furniture and utensils. Law enforcement is actively working to identify those involved and plans to summon them for questioning. As of now, there have been no hospital reports confirming whether the injured man received medical treatment, augmenting the concerns for his safety and well-being. The situation remains under investigation as officers continue to piece together the events that transpired that night, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Patong Police Crackdown on Drink-Driving Begins Amid Songkran Festivities Picture courtesy of Motorist Thailand With Songkran festivities in full swing, Patong police have taken a firm stance on road safety, arresting six foreign revelers for drink-driving in a decisive late-night crackdown. The operation took place near Loma Circle on Thaweewong Road between 12:30 am and 2:30 am on April 11, forming a critical part of the Seven Days road safety campaign aimed at reducing accidents during Thailand's most boisterous holiday. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357520-patong-police-crackdown-on-drink-driving-begins-amid-songkran-festivities/

Picture courtesy of Motorist Thailand With Songkran festivities in full swing, Patong police have taken a firm stance on road safety, arresting six foreign revelers for drink-driving in a decisive late-night crackdown. The operation took place near Loma Circle on Thaweewong Road between 12:30 am and 2:30 am on April 11, forming a critical part of the Seven Days road safety campaign aimed at reducing accidents during Thailand's most boisterous holiday. The offenders, from Oman, the UK, India, and Denmark, were found to have blood alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit of 50 milligrams per decilitre, as confirmed by authorities. The individuals arrested included: Mr Zahir, 25, Oman – 88mg% Mr Asad, 26, Oman – 192mg% Mr Ethan, 25, UK – 66mg% Mr Jamie, 25, UK – 95mg% Mr Amit, 42, India – 95mg% Mr Jesper, 40, Denmark – 80mg% All six were apprehended and charged with driving under the influence, initiating further legal processes. Patong Police Chief, Police Colonel Ekkasak Hirasawasdi, spearheaded the operation supported by senior officers and tourist police, underlining a committed effort to maintain road safety throughout the celebrations. Checkpoint operations will continue during the Songkran period, with authorities urging both locals and tourists to "celebrate responsibly" and avoid driving after consuming alcohol. To assist in this effort, the Phuket police have launched the You Drink, We Drive campaign, promoting the use of taxis and ride-hailing services instead of personal vehicles. Convenient QR codes linking to major ride-hailing apps are included on posters across the island, encouraging safer travel choices. Back on April 9, Phuket officials started rolling out enhanced safety measures targeting both road and marine safety, anticipating a surge in tourists and local participants for the Songkran festival. The stakes are high for drivers caught over the limit, facing potential imprisonment for up to one year, fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, and the suspension or revocation of driving licenses. The determined actions by Patong police and supporting bodies aim to safeguard both residents and visitors, ensuring that the spirit of Songkran is celebrated free from the risk of alcohol-related incidents on the roads, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Phuket Airport Arrest: Russian National Detained Over Labour Offences Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport executed a dramatic arrest of a 29-year-old Russian national, wanted under a Phuket Provincial Court warrant for allegedly failing to pay employee wages and defying directives from labour inspectors. The arrest occurred at about 3:30 pm on April 9 inside the international arrivals hall. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357518-phuket-airport-arrest-russian-national-detained-over-labour-offences/

Pictures courtesy of The Phuket News Immigration officers at Phuket International Airport executed a dramatic arrest of a 29-year-old Russian national, wanted under a Phuket Provincial Court warrant for allegedly failing to pay employee wages and defying directives from labour inspectors. The arrest occurred at about 3:30 pm on April 9 inside the international arrivals hall. This apprehension was the culmination of joint efforts by the Phuket Airport Immigration Investigation team and Cherng Talay Police Station officers, as detailed in a statement from Phuket Airport Immigration. The operation was led by Phuket Airport Immigration Chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Akkaraphon Kaewkiattiyos, with senior officers Pol. Lt. Col. Rassarin Thiraphatthanakun and Pol. Lt. Col. Suthirat Thirasawat overseeing proceedings. Additional support came from the Suppression Investigation Unit to ensure a seamless execution of the arrest. The individual, whose identity was not disclosed in official reports, was taken into custody without resistance and subsequently transferred to Cherng Talay Police Station for further legal action. The charges, based on the court warrant, include collusion in withholding wages and ignoring formal directives from labour officials—serious offences under Thai labour laws, especially concerning foreign nationals engaged in business or management roles. Thai authorities remain vigilant in enforcing labour regulations, ensuring compliance, particularly among expatriates operating within the country. This arrest highlights the ongoing commitment to upholding legal standards and protecting workers' rights across all sectors, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Bangkok Prepares for Safe Songkran Celebrations Amid Tightened Security Photo courtesy of BK Magazine Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has warmly invited the public to partake in Songkran festivities on Silom and Khao San roads from April 12 to 14, promising robust safety measures across the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared comprehensive protocols, including entrance checkpoints and CCTV, to ensure a secure environment for all festival-goers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357516-bangkok-prepares-for-safe-songkran-celebrations-amid-tightened-security/

Photo courtesy of BK Magazine Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has warmly invited the public to partake in Songkran festivities on Silom and Khao San roads from April 12 to 14, promising robust safety measures across the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared comprehensive protocols, including entrance checkpoints and CCTV, to ensure a secure environment for all festival-goers. High-traffic areas like Khao San and Silom will witness enhanced safety arrangements, building on last year's successful measures. Entry points will be closely monitored, with one-way gates and a strong police presence. Additionally, Khao San Road will employ advanced surveillance technologies, notably artificial intelligence for facial recognition and crowd analysis, to assist with locating missing persons and lost items. Governor Chadchart emphasised this year's Songkran as an opportunity for Bangkok to showcase its readiness for public safety, especially following the March 28 earthquake. Despite ongoing holiday festivities, BMA teams will persist with the rescue operations at the collapsed State Audit Office in the Chatuchak district. Highlighting the festival's logistics, Bang Rak district chief Pornpan Wattanasin announced the closure of Silom Road between Sala Daeng and Nararom Intersection from 1pm to 9pm daily during the celebrations. Street vendors are strictly prohibited from vending on footpaths, with stringent legal repercussions under the 1992 Act on the Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country for non-compliance. Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon disclosed the allocation of 196 venues for Songkran festivities, with highlights including the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 at Sanam Luang and events at Iconsiam, Siam Center, and Samyan Mitrtown. To ensure safety and enjoyment, BMA has introduced a “Five-No” policy: prohibiting oversized water guns, alcohol, revealing clothing, talcum powder, and water wastage. In parallel, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at the opening of King Power Rangnam’s Songkran Festival, called on Thais to leverage the celebrations as a platform for enhancing the country’s economic potential through soft power. With these measures in place, Bangkok aims to offer a joyful and secure Songkran experience, balancing cultural celebrations with public safety and order, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Thailand's Airports Achieve Global Recognition with Major Rankings Leap Photo courtesy of Wego Travel Blog Thailand's major airports are ascending in global recognition, with Suvarnabhumi International Airport making an impressive entrance into the top 40 of the world's best airports for 2025. Meanwhile, Don Mueang International Airport has solidified its standing as a top choice for budget travellers, landing within the top 10 for low-cost travel hubs. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357515-thailands-airports-achieve-global-recognition-with-major-rankings-leap/

Photo courtesy of Wego Travel Blog Thailand's major airports are ascending in global recognition, with Suvarnabhumi International Airport making an impressive entrance into the top 40 of the world's best airports for 2025. Meanwhile, Don Mueang International Airport has solidified its standing as a top choice for budget travellers, landing within the top 10 for low-cost travel hubs. On April 10, Airports of Thailand (AOT) CEO Keerati Kitimanawat announced this remarkable progress, crediting robust governmental support, particularly from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit. His efforts in championing aviation development have been aimed at bolstering trade, tourism, and investment within the country. The latest rankings from Skytrax, a UK-based aviation research and consulting firm, show Suvarnabhumi Airport advancing significantly to 39th place globally, climbing from 58th last year. It has also been recognised as the third most improved airport worldwide and ranked sixth among those serving 50 to 60 million passengers annually. Simultaneously, Don Mueang Airport has cemented its appeal to low-cost carriers by achieving eighth place in the world's best low-cost airports, improving from the previous 10th position. These rankings are derived from the World Airport Survey, which gathers extensive passenger feedback on check-in procedures, security, shopping, and terminal cleanliness. The official results were announced on April 9 at the Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain. Keerati remarked, “This global recognition reflects the international community’s growing confidence in the quality of services offered at Thai airports. It’s a testament to the collaboration of all agencies involved." With a focus on further enhancing infrastructure, adopting new technologies, and elevating service standards, AOT is committed to ensuring Thai airports continue to gain acclaim on the global stage. This news not only boosts Thailand's image as a premier travel hub but also highlights its commitment to becoming a regional leader in aviation, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Rescue Team in Thailand Hopes for Miracle Survivor Under Rubble Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a hopeful twist amidst a tragic scene, the Phetkasem Foundation rescue team may have located a survivor deep beneath the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok. This comes two weeks after the deadly March 28 earthquake that shook Thailand following powerful tremors originating from Myanmar. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357514-rescue-team-in-thailand-hopes-for-miracle-survivor-under-rubble/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a hopeful twist amidst a tragic scene, the Phetkasem Foundation rescue team may have located a survivor deep beneath the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok. This comes two weeks after the deadly March 28 earthquake that shook Thailand following powerful tremors originating from Myanmar. The flickering light, presumed to be from a mobile phone, was spotted three metres below the ruins in the still-under-construction Zone B of the building. This discovery, reported early on the morning of April 11, is a critical breakthrough in the ongoing effort to find survivors among the 71 individuals still missing. Thus far, the disaster has claimed 23 lives and injured nine, with a total of 103 people affected. The Phetkasem Foundation shared the potential lead on their Facebook page, igniting a sense of urgency in the rescue mission. The post read, “Urgent! The rescue team found a light signal below, approximately 3 metres deep. It is believed that it may be a light signal from a survivor’s mobile phone in Zone B at 7.30am.” Rescue workers reported that the light appeared to respond to their instructions, switching on and off, though no voice was detected. A rescuer noted the sound was similar to a Samsung phone being powered on and off, heightening hopes that there may still be life under the rubble. By 8:50 am, despite no audible responses, the light continued to flash as directed, sustaining hopes of a survivor. Further bolstering these hopes was radar equipment detecting two bodies in Zone B—one located at a depth of approximately one metre, and another around three metres. While a rescue under such circumstances seems daunting, experts highlight that survival for two weeks, although challenging, is possible under certain conditions. Access to water, even in tiny amounts, or finding a safe pocket with moisture or supplies could support life amid the debris. The discovery has sparked renewed energy among the rescue teams working tirelessly to save lives. They are deploying cameras to verify the source of the signal, remaining cautiously optimistic that this flicker of light could lead to a remarkable rescue. With time as a critical factor, every effort is being made to capitalise on this promising lead, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-11

Drunken Brawl on Pattaya Beach Road Disrupts Tourists and Draws Police Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News Chaos unfolded along Pattaya Beach Road on the evening of April 9 when a domestic dispute between a couple spiralled into a violent altercation, prompting police and rescue crews to intervene. This disturbing scene, which took place at 8:06 pm near North Pattaya, left a 49-year-old man named Suthon and a 42-year-old woman named Rungnapha injured and incoherent after consuming excessive amounts of white spirit. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357513-drunken-brawl-on-pattaya-beach-road-disrupts-tourists-and-draws-police/