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Ex-Inmate Arrested After Snatching Belgian Tourist's Bag in Thailand Photo via Channel 7 A recently released inmate is back behind bars after he snatched a bag from a Belgian tourist in Samut Prakan. The incident occurred while the tourist, a 54-year-old woman, was cycling on April 9. Her bag contained a mobile phone, cash, passports, and a hotel keycard. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357384-ex-inmate-arrested-after-snatching-belgian-tourists-bag-in-thailand/

Photo via Channel 7 A recently released inmate is back behind bars after he snatched a bag from a Belgian tourist in Samut Prakan. The incident occurred while the tourist, a 54-year-old woman, was cycling on April 9. Her bag contained a mobile phone, cash, passports, and a hotel keycard. The theft unfolded as the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Samran, approached the woman under the guise of using his phone, then seized the opportunity to grab her bag from her bicycle’s front basket. The woman was left on the ground following the sudden encounter, with her bicycle toppled over. Motorcycle taxi driver, Jarus Suaysa-ard, was a witness. Although he didn’t see the theft itself, he returned to find the woman distressed. Jarus searched for the thief but eventually took the victim to Phra Pradaeng Police Station to report the crime. CCTV footage confirmed Samran's actions, showing him speeding away on a stolen motorcycle. Police quickly identified him due to his past criminal record for similar offences in 2011 and 2020. Astonishingly, he had only been out of prison for a month when this latest crime occurred. The motorcycle he utilised for the theft was also stolen, linking him to another crime in Bangkok. Authorities have recaptured Samran, ensuring he faces justice once again, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-10

Thai Man Fined for Dragging Dog with Motorcycle in Disturbing Abuse Photo via Channel 3 A man from Nakhon Ratchasima has been fined 10,000 baht for a shocking case of animal abuse that surfaced thanks to a witness's social media post. The man, identified only as Pannawit, was seen dragging his dog, originally named Salmon, along the road tied to his motorcycle. The abuse came to light after Charuwan Phuangkham posted the incident on Facebook, prompting widespread outrage. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357226-outrage-as-puppy-dragged-behind-motorbike-saved-by-local/#findComment-19723416

Thai Man Fined for Dragging Dog with Motorcycle in Disturbing Abuse Photo via Channel 3 A man from Nakhon Ratchasima has been fined 10,000 baht for a shocking case of animal abuse that surfaced thanks to a witness's social media post. The man, identified only as Pannawit, was seen dragging his dog, originally named Salmon, along the road tied to his motorcycle. The abuse came to light after Charuwan Phuangkham posted the incident on Facebook, prompting widespread outrage. Charuwan witnessed the horrific scene and intervened to save the dog, now renamed Talai, which means "slipping." Talai suffered injuries from being dragged for approximately 600 metres, but is now recovering under Charuwan’s care, having received medical treatment. Pannawit admitted to the violent act, citing an argument with his boyfriend as the trigger for his anger. He expressed a desire to see the dog one last time, and Charuwan graciously permitted it. The non-profit group Watchdog Thailand Foundation quickly acted, filing a complaint against Pannawit. Ultimately, the Sikhio Provincial Court fined him, yet opted not to impose a prison sentence. Meanwhile, Talai continues to heal, benefiting from the warm affection of the new owner and concerned members of the public, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-10

Photo: Vietnam News In a remarkable advancement for Quảng Ninh Province’s healthcare sector, two hospitals have carried out successful kidney transplants using organs from a brain-dead donor. This significant milestone was reached through surgeries conducted overnight on Tuesday at Quảng Ninh General Hospital and the Việt Nam-Sweden Hospital in Uông Bí City. The kidneys were sourced from a donor declared brain-dead at the Việt Đức Friendship Hospital in Hà Nội. Thanks to a well-coordinated effort, the organs were transported to the two recipients in Quảng Ninh. Local doctors participated in the organ retrieval in Hà Nội, with guidance from top experts at Việt Đức Hospital, ensuring the safe transfer of the organs. Both hospitals assembled specialised teams and made thorough preparations to guarantee the success of the procedures and provide effective post-operative care. The surgeries, each lasting over two hours, were successfully conducted during the night, with the patients now in stable condition and showing positive early signs of kidney function. This achievement provides renewed hope for many suffering from end-stage kidney disease, showcasing the increasing capabilities of Quảng Ninh’s hospitals in performing complex medical procedures like organ transplants. The success of these transplants diminishes the need for patients to travel for advanced treatments, potentially reducing costs and easing healthcare access. Other organs from the same donor, including the heart and liver, were similarly transplanted, further marking the donor's contribution to saving lives. With this success, Quảng Ninh is aspiring to develop into a regional transplant hub through continuous investment in medical equipment and the specialised training of its healthcare professionals, reported Vietnam News. -- 2025-04-09

Photo: VN Express A tragic maritime incident off Vietnam's northern port city of Hai Phong resulted in the deaths of four fishermen after their boat was struck by the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, Hosei Crown. The collision occurred early Tuesday as the Hosei Crown was en route from Chua Ve port to the Philippines. The accident, happening around 5:45 a.m., involved the fishing vessel carrying 12 crew members. The Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center Region I promptly engaged the Hosei Crown to deploy life rafts and initiate a rescue operation, while the SAR 411 rescue ship was dispatched to assist. By 9:10 a.m., rescue teams successfully located eight fishermen, but tragically, four were found deceased. Initial reports suggest harsh conditions, including fog and wind speeds of 12-28 km per hour, may have contributed to the accident. An investigation by the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center is underway, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to determine the exact cause of the collision. This unfortunate event underscores the inherent risks in maritime operations and the critical importance of safety measures and conditions awareness, reported VN Express. -- 2025-04-09

Photo: VN Express Vietnamese graduate student Pham Hong Linh, a master's candidate in design engineering at Harvard University, achieved a remarkable feat by winning first prize in Harvard's New Venture Competition. Her creation, LEXI, is an AI-based app designed to assist immigrants in communicating with medical personnel, securing her a $75,000 cash award. Linh is the first Vietnamese international student to clinch the top award in the competition’s 25-year history. Her journey to developing LEXI stemmed from personal motivations—envisioning a tool that could aid her mother, who is not fluent in English, in navigating medical settings independently. All team members, sharing the immigrant experience, focused on addressing the language barrier in healthcare, particularly for older non-English speaking individuals. Linh's extensive research involved visits to over 20 Boston healthcare facilities, interacting directly with medical staff and patients to gauge language-related challenges. She discovered a glaring need for accurate medical translation tools, as existing apps often fail to handle specialized terminology, potentially leading to patient discomfort and misdiagnosis. LEXI, developed over three months, caters to six common languages in Massachusetts: Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, and Russian. Collaboration with healthcare professionals facilitated the creation of a robust medical term database. Originally a class project, LEXI evolved into a startup, gaining recognition with a gold award at the iF Design Award before highlighting its potential at Harvard's competition. This victory signifies a significant quality endorsement, boosting Linh's pursuit of investors. Dr. Lee Kaplan of the University of Miami lauds LEXI's accurate and user-friendly interface, emphasizing its critical role in emergency situations where interpreters are unavailable. In recognition of her entrepreneurial spirit, Harvard named Linh its "Female Founder of the Year" on April 4. Aspiring to expand LEXI's capabilities to cover rarer languages, Linh continues to refine her app with hopes of widespread hospital adoption, reinforcing her commitment to bridging communication gaps in healthcare, reported VN Express. -- 2025-04-09

Photo: PhilStar As the Philippines commemorates the 83rd anniversary of Araw ng Kagitingan, or the Day of Valor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to honour World War II veterans through acts that reflect "genuine service and self-offering to the nation." The day marks the historic surrender of more than 76,000 Filipino and American troops in Bataan to Japanese forces, leading to the infamous Bataan Death March. In his message, President Marcos hailed the defenders of Bataan as enduring icons of Filipino bravery. "On this day, we celebrate the valiant heroes of the defense of Bataan, and all Filipinos who showed acts of unwavering courage and patriotism during the Second World War," he said, encouraging current generations to draw inspiration from their sacrifice to guide national development. Marcos highlighted the importance of extending the concept of valor beyond wartime heroics, emphasizing "small acts of compassion, generosity, and kindness" that lead to significant change within communities. "Through acts of genuine service and self-offering to the nation, we can prove that we are not only made of the same noble stock as our noteworthy ancestors but also the rightful heirs of their heroic legacy," he stated. Connecting this historical act of bravery to his administration's vision, Marcos urged citizens to become "faithful successors of their struggle to build a strong, secure, and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas." Echoing the sentiments, Vice President Sara Duterte called the Battle of Bataan a significant historical event that illustrates the resilience and courage of Filipinos against oppression. She urged the nation to honour these memories by striving to create a future that ensures such suffering is never repeated. This year's commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the nation's history, inspiring Filipinos to preserve and build upon the heroic legacy left by their forebears, reported PhilStar. -- 2025-04-09

File photo for reference only The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is ramping up its efforts in anticipation of the Holy Week travel surge, with heightened alert status from April 13 to 20. This move aims to effectively manage the influx of travelers returning home to observe the religious event with family. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan highlighted the challenges posed by overcrowding, vessel overloading, and potential maritime crimes during this period. Past Holy Weeks have seen incidents such as robberies at busy ports in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga, prompting the need for increased security measures. Last year, the PCG monitored about 1.65 million passengers during Semana Santa, noting a 10% increase from the previous year's 1.50 million. To address these demands, the PCG is executing "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025" to ensure safe and peaceful travel across the country's waterways. Following President Marcos Jr.'s directive, the PCG is collaborating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and local government units (LGUs) to achieve zero maritime casualties during this period. PCG personnel will conduct 24/7 monitoring of nautical highways, including western and eastern seaboards and inter-island routes. Security details involving K9 units and comprehensive inspections at ports and on vessels will also be enforced. Additionally, Coast Guard teams will assist at maritime tourist destinations, maintain active coastal patrols, and prepare for potential search and rescue missions. This comprehensive approach is designed to maintain safety and order as millions of Filipinos travel by sea to commemorate Holy Week, reported Manila Bulletin. -- 2025-04-09

File photo for reference only The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed the death of one of the four Filipinos previously reported missing after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28. The tragic news was disclosed in a statement issued on April 9, with the agency respecting the family's privacy by withholding further details about the deceased. The DFA emphasized their ongoing efforts to locate the three other missing Filipinos, expressing hope for their safe recovery amidst the destruction centered near Mandalay. The earthquake has claimed over 3,600 lives, with more than 5,000 injured and 160 still missing. Rescue missions have seen international collaboration, involving nearly 1,740 personnel from 20 countries, including 600 survivors already rescued. The Philippines has contributed significantly, deploying a 91-member inter-agency team to aid in relief efforts. The Philippine Embassy in Yangon is actively coordinating with local and international bodies to ensure the safety of Filipinos in Myanmar. It has offered repatriation options amidst limited commercial flight availability, planning the use of a C130 aircraft for departures scheduled on April 12. Return to Myanmar for work will remain possible for those with proper documentation. Additionally, the embassy is providing essential support such as transportation, temporary accommodation, financial assistance for eligible individuals, and trauma counseling services, underscoring their commitment to the well-being of Filipinos affected by the disaster, reported Manila Bulletin. -- 2025-04-09

Photo via Channel 8 In a harrowing journey spanning four days, a Burmese woman named May walked from Myanmar to Bangkok, seeking her missing husband and son after the collapse of a government building, only to uncover her husband’s secret life with a Thai mistress. May arrived in Bangkok on April 8, to trace bodies and survivors at the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand, which collapsed following Myanmar’s earthquake on March 28. Her husband Ji Tan and son Kyaw Tat were trapped inside, while her daughter managed to escape. May’s journey began on March 30, leaving her elderly mother and daughter behind. Traveling on foot through forests and mountains with a guide, she reached the Thai-Myanmar border, paying 12,500 baht to enter Thailand. Upon arrival, May was to undergo a DNA test to claim her family’s remains, yet was devastated to learn another woman, Whee, had already tested with Ji Tan’s daughter, claiming to be his wife. Whee, speaking to Channel 8, confirmed a decade-long relationship with Ji Tan, living with him and his children, unaware of May. Despite providing financial support and job opportunities to Ji Tan and his children, Whee felt sidelined upon May's arrival. She offered May the rights to claim Ji Tan and Kyaw Tat’s bodies, but compensation matters remain unresolved—officials indicated Ji Tan's compensation would go to his daughter and Kyaw Tat's to May. May, stunned by her husband’s duplicity, expressed that she never suspected infidelity, having received monthly support from Ji Tan. This poignant family saga underscores the personal tragedies intertwined with the building collapse, highlighting complex issues of identity and kinship against a backdrop of disaster and loss, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09

Miraculous Escape: Young Girl Rescued from Bangkok Sewer Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A young girl escaped unharmed after falling into a deep sewer near Soi Sahakarnpramoon in Bangkok, thanks to the quick response of emergency services. The rescue operation unfolded dramatically on April 8, involving a coordinated effort by local firefighters and the Bang Kapi rescue team. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357290-miraculous-escape-young-girl-rescued-from-bangkok-sewer/

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A young girl escaped unharmed after falling into a deep sewer near Soi Sahakarnpramoon in Bangkok, thanks to the quick response of emergency services. The rescue operation unfolded dramatically on April 8, involving a coordinated effort by local firefighters and the Bang Kapi rescue team. At 5.49 pm, a distress call alerted emergency services, prompting an immediate deployment to the Wang Thonglang district site. Upon arrival, rescuers found the girl trapped in the dangerous depths of the sewer. Despite the hazardous conditions, teams efficiently lowered a rope into the sewer, enabling her safe retrieval. The rescue team’s swift action ensured the girl was brought to safety without injuries, marking a fortunate conclusion to the alarming incident. Her survival is a testament to the professional and timely intervention by the emergency services. Details surrounding the cause of her fall into the sewer remain scarce. Officials have yet to elaborate on whether the incident was accidental or if there was any lapse in safety measures. As the investigation continues, the rescue effort highlights the vital role of emergency services in responding to urban hazards, underscoring the importance of public safety measures in preventing similar incidents, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09

Chiang Mai Teenagers Detained for Recruiting in Cambodian Scam Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a significant crackdown, three teenagers were detained in Chiang Mai for allegedly operating an illicit recruitment office aimed at sending individuals to work in a Cambodian call centre scam. Enticing recruits with promises of high-paying jobs, free accommodation, and easy border crossings, the scheme was exposed by a police task force. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357289-chiang-mai-teenagers-detained-for-recruiting-in-cambodian-scam/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a significant crackdown, three teenagers were detained in Chiang Mai for allegedly operating an illicit recruitment office aimed at sending individuals to work in a Cambodian call centre scam. Enticing recruits with promises of high-paying jobs, free accommodation, and easy border crossings, the scheme was exposed by a police task force. On April 8, Police Lieutenant General Kritthapol Yisakhon, along with senior officials, announced the arrests of 28-year-old Pornnapa, 31-year-old Pornnarong, and 25-year-old Sudarat. The team, comprising officers from the Technology Crime Suppression Centre and the Information Analysis and Special Tools Division, executed the operation seamlessly. The arrest took place following an investigation prompted by informants alerting authorities to shady recruitment activities in Chiang Mai. Evidence was gathered from a house in the Nong Pa Khrang subdistrict, where the suspects were holding operations. On April 7, armed with a search warrant, officers swooped in at 10.30 am. They found Pornnarong outside, while Pornnapa and Sudarat were apprehended inside, actively engaged in their recruitment efforts. During questioning, the suspects admitted to deceptive job postings on Facebook, falsely advertising roles as simple admin jobs with lucrative pay. The operation involved luring potential recruits into discussions on the LINE app, where they were offered natural border crossings into Cambodia under the guise of legitimate employment. The suspects acknowledged using the premises as their recruitment hub and confirmed sending two Thai nationals to Cambodia. Confiscated items included all-in-one desktop computers, iPhones, iPads, and various electronic devices. Charged with recruiting workers for overseas employment without permission, a violation under Section 30 of the Employment and Job Seeker Protection Act, the suspects now face legal proceedings at the Mae Ping Police Station in Chiang Mai. This operation highlights the continued vigilance required to combat fraudulent recruitment schemes, safeguarding individuals from potentially dangerous situations and exploitation abroad, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09

Pattaya's Water Supply Revamp: Mayor Unveils 12 Key Projects Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Mail Mayor Poramet Ngampichet is spearheading an ambitious plan to address Pattaya's water supply challenges, initiating 12 major projects set to enhance distribution and transparency. The initiative aims to keep residents informed and ensure adequate water access across the city. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357288-pattayas-water-supply-revamp-mayor-unveils-12-key-projects/

Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Mail Mayor Poramet Ngampichet is spearheading an ambitious plan to address Pattaya's water supply challenges, initiating 12 major projects set to enhance distribution and transparency. The initiative aims to keep residents informed and ensure adequate water access across the city. Mayor Poramet has tasked local agencies with collating comprehensive data on these ongoing water supply extensions, intended for submission to the Pattaya Waterworks Department. This step aims to establish a clear public timeline for project completion, fostering transparency throughout. Scheduled for completion this year and funded under the 2024 budget, these projects target vital areas such as Soi Khopai, Sukhumvit Pattaya, and Paniad Chang, with budgets ranging between 270,000 and 700,000 baht. The enhancements focus on stabilising supply to meet the city's residential and commercial demands. Key upgrades include extensions in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 63 and Soi South Pattaya 10/1, essential for bolstering water distribution citywide as Pattaya's infrastructure evolves. Addressing immediate needs, particularly during the dry season on Koh Larn, the city proposes purchasing bulk water at a reduced rate of 170 baht per tonne, alleviating costs for local residents. In tandem, efforts are underway to renew a contract with East Water Company, aiming to expand water production capacity for future needs. Combining strategic infrastructure investments and immediate measures, Pattaya is positioning itself to secure a sustainable water future. These initiatives are crucial as the city accommodates its growing population and thriving tourism industry, ensuring long-term resilience in water management, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09

Resort Worker Arrested on Koh Larn for Alleged Assault Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 40-year-old resort employee, Samarn, was arrested on April 8 on Koh Larn following serious allegations from his former girlfriend, including trespassing and sexual assault. The arrest, executed by Mueang Pattaya district officers, followed two warrants issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357287-resort-worker-arrested-on-koh-larn-for-alleged-assault/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 40-year-old resort employee, Samarn, was arrested on April 8 on Koh Larn following serious allegations from his former girlfriend, including trespassing and sexual assault. The arrest, executed by Mueang Pattaya district officers, followed two warrants issued by the Pattaya Provincial Court. Charged with nighttime housebreaking and sexual assault involving threats and force, Samarn allegedly entered the victim's staff accommodation on March 23, attempting to forcibly take her away. The victim's colleagues intervened, facilitating her escape as Samarn fled the scene. Tensions escalated when, on April 3, Samarn reportedly threatened to release private photos to coerce the victim into visiting him. During this visit, at his Bang Lamung residence, further assault occurred, according to the victim's account. Samarn contests the charges, claiming the relationship had ended mutually a month prior, attributing the accusations to her dissatisfaction over transportation issues. However, police express doubt over his version of events, committing to thorough legal proceedings. The case shines a light on domestic abuse issues, highlighting the critical role of vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09

AirAsia Explains Ticket Price Surge: System Glitch, Not Sales Photo courtesy of AeroLOPA AirAsia has clarified the recent confusion over inflated ticket prices on its Don Mueang-Sakon Nakhon flights during the Songkran festival, attributing the anomaly to a temporary glitch in its booking system—no tickets were sold at the inflated rates. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357286-airasia-explains-ticket-price-surge-system-glitch-not-sales/

Photo courtesy of AeroLOPA AirAsia has clarified the recent confusion over inflated ticket prices on its Don Mueang-Sakon Nakhon flights during the Songkran festival, attributing the anomaly to a temporary glitch in its booking system—no tickets were sold at the inflated rates. The airline assured that while the displayed prices were concerning, they did not result in actual sales. Following reports, AirAsia conducted a detailed examination confirming full bookings on all flights from April 10 to 12 along the affected route. Despite appearances, the highest ticket prices did not breach the price ceiling set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). AirAsia promptly informed CAAT, providing a comprehensive account of the glitch. The airline is advising customers to use the AirAsia MOVE app for bookings. This guarantees flight confirmations, compliance with the price ceiling, and access to added services, preventing future confusion. A public apology was issued to passengers affected by the glitch, with AirAsia pledging to uphold its commitment to fair and transparent pricing. The airline is taking steps to ensure its systems adhere to set guidelines, maintaining customer confidence. For reliable bookings during the peak Songkran period, AirAsia recommends using official channels to verify pricing and flight availability, ensuring a seamless travel experience, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09

Deadly Reminder: Thai Officials Warn Against Wild Mushroom Foraging Photo courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria As Thailand's rainy season sets in, health officials are issuing an urgent caution against consuming wild mushrooms due to the heightened risk of encountering toxic varieties. With both edible and poisonous mushrooms thriving, the public is strongly urged to exercise extreme caution while foraging. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357284-deadly-reminder-thai-officials-warn-against-wild-mushroom-foraging/

Photo courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria As Thailand's rainy season sets in, health officials are issuing an urgent caution against consuming wild mushrooms due to the heightened risk of encountering toxic varieties. With both edible and poisonous mushrooms thriving, the public is strongly urged to exercise extreme caution while foraging. The rapid growth of wild mushrooms presents a significant challenge, as misidentification can lead to severe poisoning or even death. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has underscored the dangers, particularly noting the difficulty of distinguishing toxic mushrooms in their early bud stage from safe varieties. Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, DDC Director General, highlighted two lethally toxic species: the Death Cap (Amanita phalloides) and the Bleeding Milk Cap (Lactarius haemorrhagius). Both present a potent risk in the current season. The Death Cap, resembling edible mushrooms like the white russula, can cause fatal liver damage, with initial symptoms misleadingly mild until irreversible damage ensues. Similarly, the Bleeding Milk Cap, recognizable by its red-tinged flesh, can lead to severe symptoms, including digestive distress and organ failure. These effects emphasize the critical need for immediate medical intervention at the onset of symptoms. Medical guidance stresses against at-home remedies like inducing vomiting, recommending instead the administration of activated charcoal and water to mitigate toxic absorption while seeking professional help. Foraging amateurs are advised to avoid picking wild mushrooms unless absolutely confident in their safety. The risk is compounded if mushrooms are collected from chemically treated areas or consumed improperly, such as with alcohol. The overarching advice remains firm: if uncertain, abstain from picking or eating. As the rainy season reaches its peak, health officials aim to curtail fatalities by urging the public to refrain from consuming any wild mushrooms without expert verification, reinforcing safety over risk in the culinary exploration of the wild, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09

Thailand Greenlights 370M Baht for Improved Disaster Warning Systems Photo via PPTV HD In response to criticisms following Myanmar's recent earthquake, the Thai Cabinet has allocated 370 million baht to enhance the nation's natural disaster warning systems. The development comes as many Thais, experiencing their first earthquake, expressed frustration over inadequate public safety information and ineffective early warning systems (EWS). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1357283-thailand-greenlights-370m-baht-for-improved-disaster-warning-systems/

Photo via PPTV HD In response to criticisms following Myanmar's recent earthquake, the Thai Cabinet has allocated 370 million baht to enhance the nation's natural disaster warning systems. The development comes as many Thais, experiencing their first earthquake, expressed frustration over inadequate public safety information and ineffective early warning systems (EWS). During the earthquake, Thailand's current EWS struggled, sending SMS alerts to just 100,000 to 200,000 recipients per batch, requiring 15 minutes for delivery. This inefficiency led to widespread public dissatisfaction and demands for a more robust and responsive system. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra approved the budget, which was proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The funding aims to fortify disaster resilience through advanced tools and technology capable of monitoring and addressing potential geological threats like earthquakes and landslides. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukul Prueksanusak, the budget will focus on three primary projects: Installation of 120 rock mass movement monitoring devices (310.84 million baht) Development of digital information systems for landslides (40.35 million baht) Enhancing landslide disaster preparedness with partner organisations (19.19 million baht) Despite some public support for the advancement, scepticism persists regarding the transparency and implementation efficiency of the funds. Many netizens have called for immediate compensation for those affected by the Myanmar quake prior to initiating new projects. Voices of dissent arise from concerns over corruption and doubts about the project completion. Meanwhile, updates reveal ongoing rescue missions in Bangkok, where 21 bodies were discovered in a collapsed building, with many still feared trapped. As Thailand embarks on this crucial development for public safety, it faces a dual challenge of earning public trust and demonstrating effective use of resources to prevent future disasters, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-04-09