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A Russian tourist tragically lost his life in a motorbike accident near Kata School on Patak Road in Karon, Phuket. The incident occurred at 5.50am today, April 17, when the tourist, Pavel, lost control of his Honda PCX and plunged into a ditch. His wife, who was riding a pillion, sustained minor injuries. They were en route to visit the famous Big Buddha when the accident took place. Following the report of the accident, Deputy Inspector Phirawat Yodtor, the investigating officer from Karon Police Station, along with patrol officers and Karon Municipality’s rescue team, rushed to the scene. They discovered the grey Honda PCX with an Uttaradit registration plate in a scrubland about 5 metres off the roadside. Pavel’s body was found nearby, lying sideways, trapped against a tree. The rescue team recovered his body from the brushwood alongside the road before transporting it to Chalong Hospital, while the motorbike was retrieved and kept at Karon Police Station for further investigation, reported KhaoSod. Upon inquiry, Pavel’s Russian wife recounted that they were travelling along Patak Road on their way to the Big Buddha, a popular tourist destination. As they approached the accident site, the motorbike veered off the road, leading to her husband’s fatal injuries and death at the scene, while she escaped with only minor injuries. In related news, a fatal motorcycle crash occurred on Sena Nikhom Road in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district, claiming the life of a 37 year old man. The incident, which happened around 2.30am on April 6, took a turn when authorities discovered a firearm hidden underneath the vehicle’s seat. The accident took place approximately 500 metres from the Sena Nikhom intersection along Phahon Yothin Road, a four-lane street known for its challenging curves. The deceased, identified only as Nopat, was found without a helmet, sustained severe injuries to his neck and abrasions to his ankle, resulting in immediate death. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Unconscious man by Lam Nam Mat raises drowning fears Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A man in Nakhon Ratchasima province was found unconscious in a grassy area by the Lam Nam Mat yesterday, startling friends and rescue workers who had feared he drowned. After approximately two hours of searching, the man was discovered semi-submerged and delirious, repeatedly muttering, “Someone took me away.” Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325175-unconscious-man-by-lam-nam-mat-raises-drowning-fears/

A man in Nakhon Ratchasima province was found unconscious in a grassy area by the Lam Nam Mat yesterday, startling friends and rescue workers who had feared he drowned. After approximately two hours of searching, the man was discovered semi-submerged and delirious, repeatedly muttering, “Someone took me away.” On the banks of the Lam Nam Mat in Seung Sang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, a day of relaxation turned into a dramatic rescue operation. The incident occurred around 4pm, when volunteers from the local rescue unit Hook 31 were alerted to a missing person in the river. As villagers and rescuers scoured the area, hoping the man had not succumbed to the waters, an unexpected discovery unfolded. Amidst the reeds lining the river, villagers noticed movement. Approaching the spot, they, along with rescue workers, found the missing man, identified only as Samruay, a 45 year old local from Ban Rat subdistrict. Half-submerged and pale, his body trembled, his speech slurred and confused. The rescuers swiftly carried him from the riverbank, quickly working to warm his chilled body and administer first aid before rushing him to Seung Sang Hospital. Earlier that afternoon, around 2pm, Samruay and three friends, including 45 year old Lhod, were enjoying the river’s edge, slicing mango to stave off the heat. Samruay decided to cool off in the water. As time passed and the heat intensified, Lhod, finding himself out of the water and feeling the sting of spicy mango, went to call Samruay back. But Samruay had vanished, his silence raising alarm. Only his hat floating on the water’s surface gave any clue to his whereabouts. An extensive search ensued, and after two hours, with the rescue team prepared for an underwater recovery, Samruay was found on the riverbank instead, reported KhaoSod. Piyawat Harasuk, a volunteer rescuer who found Samruay and accompanied him to the hospital, described the moment of discovery. “When we found him by the river, he appeared disoriented, shivering from the cold after being in the water for so long. He was incoherent, mumbling the same phrase repeatedly from the moment we took him out of the water until we reached the hospital, saying, ‘Someone took me away.’ It’s unclear who Samruay might have encountered or what experience led to his distressed state.” By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Intoxicated man causes uproar in Udon Thani village Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A seemingly intoxicated man on a big bike caused a stir in a village in Udon Thani province when he insisted on sleeping in front of some houses, claiming that they belonged to his girlfriend. Despite being asked to leave, he refused, creating a tense atmosphere among the residents. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325174-intoxicated-man-causes-uproar-in-udon-thani-village/

A seemingly intoxicated man on a big bike caused a stir in a village in Udon Thani province when he insisted on sleeping in front of some houses, claiming that they belonged to his girlfriend. Despite being asked to leave, he refused, creating a tense atmosphere among the residents. Late into the night, residents of Ban Chiang, Udon Thani, were unsettled by the presence of an unfamiliar man demanding to sleep in front of their homes. The man, appearing inebriated, traversed the village on his motorcycle, approaching various households. In instances where women were present, he professed that he was there to visit his girlfriend. Responding to the call for help, police from Nong Han Police Station found the man, approximately 35 years old, wearing a black shirt and three-quarter-length jeans. He seemed disoriented and under the influence. Upon questioning, he identified himself as Eaksit but was incoherent in his responses. He was adamant about sleeping on the porch of a particular house, claiming he had come to stay at his girlfriend’s home, though he could not provide her name. He also warned bystanders not to take photographs, asserting his legal rights. Eaksit’s sister, contacted by the police, disclosed that he suffered from a mental disorder. She directed the officers to deliver him to their parent’s home in Thung Fon District, expressing concern over a potential confrontation with her brother. The police guessed that Eaksit was likely experiencing hallucinations due to a mixture of drugs and alcohol, prompting them to transport him to his parents, reported KhaoSod. The homeowner, Srakrai, a former school director in Ban Phon Sung, was perplexed by the stranger’s actions. He recounted that the man had been lingering since 4pm yesterday, gradually moving closer to Srakrai’s home, where he eventually laid down, drank beer, and refused to leave despite being told to do so. Expressing his worry, Srakrai noted that a woman and two children occupied the house, and the man’s erratic behaviour had alarmed the entire village, especially women and children. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand likely to house major EV battery factory within two years Picture courtesy of frimufilms, Freepik The Board of Investment (BoI) anticipates the establishment of a substantial facility for the manufacturing of battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand within a two-year timeframe. This projection follows a promotional roadshow conducted by the BoI in China just last week. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325173-thailand-likely-to-house-major-ev-battery-factory-within-two-years/

The Board of Investment (BoI) anticipates the establishment of a substantial facility for the manufacturing of battery cells for electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand within a two-year timeframe. This projection follows a promotional roadshow conducted by the BoI in China just last week. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the BoI Secretary-General, explained that this roadshow emphasised the benefits and incentives being offered to Chinese EV battery producers. The event took place in the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Guangdong from April 7 to April 10. Among the manufacturers showing interest were Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL), China Aviation Lithium Battery (CALB), Inpow Battery Technology (IBT), Eve Energy, Gotion High-tech, Sunwoda, and SVOLT Energy Technology. These companies recognised the potential for investment in Thailand and expressed keen interest in the BoI’s newly introduced incentives for the production of EV battery cells and energy storage systems, as noted by the BoI secretary-general. Narit further pointed out that the manufacturing of battery cells constituted an upstream industry. This sector requires a comprehensive understanding of chemical and material science, along with significant investment. It forms the backbone of the electric vehicle industry. To bolster competitiveness, the BoI provides a range of incentives to prospective investors. These include a waiver on corporate income tax, exemption from tariffs on imported machinery and raw materials, and financial support. The BoI secretary-general anticipates that, within the current year, at least two large-scale manufacturers will finalise their plans to produce battery cells in Thailand. He estimates a combined investment of approximately 30 billion baht (US$ 800 million) for this venture. Each manufacturer is expected to kick off with an annual production capacity ranging between 6 and 10 gigawatt-hours, reported Bangkok Post. Other companies are either in talks with potential Thai partners or expanding their initial plans focused solely on producing battery modules and packs. These firms have shown interest in the new incentives rolled out by the BoI, said the BoI secretary-general. “I am confident that, in two years, Thailand will house a large-scale battery cell factory. This will mark another significant milestone, further strengthening the supply chain and establishing a solid foundation for the long-term growth of the electric vehicle industry in Thailand.” By Alex Morgan Caption: Picture courtesy of frimufilms, Freepik Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran festival ends with 243 deaths in traffic accidents Picture courtesy of Pattaya News The six-day Songkran festival holiday in Thailand ended in tragedy as road accidents claimed the lives of 243 people and left 1,837 others injured. As announced by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob on Wednesday, some 1,811 traffic accidents were recorded from April 11 to 16, coinciding with the period when many individuals travel back to their home provinces to join in the Songkran celebrations. Motorcycles were implicated in 84.9% of these traffic accidents. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325172-songkran-festival-ends-with-243-deaths-in-traffic-accidents/

The six-day Songkran festival holiday in Thailand ended in tragedy as road accidents claimed the lives of 243 people and left 1,837 others injured. As announced by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob on Wednesday, some 1,811 traffic accidents were recorded from April 11 to 16, coinciding with the period when many individuals travel back to their home provinces to join in the Songkran celebrations. Motorcycles were implicated in 84.9% of these traffic accidents. Chiang Rai, the northernmost province, reported the highest number of accidents, with a total of 71, and also saw the most fatalities, with 15 deaths. In another northern province, Phrae, 68 people sustained injuries, the highest injury toll across all provinces. However, not all news was grim; there were nine provinces out of the total 77 that reported zero traffic fatalities during the Thai New Year festival, according to Permpoon. On the final day of the road safety campaign, which was yesterday April 16, there were 242 traffic incidents, resulting in 32 deaths and 237 injuries. Speeding was identified as the leading cause of these accidents, accounting for 37.6%, while drink-driving (23.9%) and reckless lane-switching (21%) followed closely. Permpoon informed that most individuals who had travelled for Songkran had returned to work by this point. In a separate statement, Ruangsak Suwaree, the Director-General of the Probation Department, revealed that there were 5,786 traffic violation cases from April 11 to 16. A vast majority of these, 96.6%, were drink-driving related. The most drink-driving cases were reported in Bangkok (493), with Samut Prakan (313) and Chiang Mai (302) trailing behind, reported Bangkok Post. Meanwhile, Phuket’s Seven Days safety campaign for Songkran 2024 continues to make its impact as the island remains free of any road fatalities since the start of the initiative on April 11. Over the past four days, 39 incidents have been recorded by officials, resulting in the same number of people being hospitalised due to injuries. The report compiled by the Phuket branch of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Phuket) revealed that on, April 15, the campaign’s fifth day, nine accidents occurred across the island, leading to nine injuries. The breakdown of these incidents indicates two accidents each in Mueang District and Thalang District, with one individual injured in each, and six accidents in Kathu District, injuring six people. By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Clean sweep: 150 tonnes of post-Songkran waste vanish from Bangkok Picture courtesy of Thairath Some 150 tonnes of waste was cleared from Silom and Khao San roads following the conclusion of Songkran festivities. This colossal clean-up operation was overseen by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who visited Khao San Road yesterday to assess the situation and boost the morale of the city’s cleaning personnel. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325171-clean-sweep-150-tonnes-of-post-songkran-waste-vanish-from-bangkok/

Some 150 tonnes of waste was cleared from Silom and Khao San roads following the conclusion of Songkran festivities. This colossal clean-up operation was overseen by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who visited Khao San Road yesterday to assess the situation and boost the morale of the city’s cleaning personnel. Khao San Road and its surrounding area were found to be strewn with talc, refuse, glass bottles, cardboard, water guns, and water buckets, among other debris. To counter this, the cleaning crew started their task at 4am yesterday, employing six water trucks to cleanse the streets. Chadchart appreciated the cleaning efforts by the staff. “After everyone has had fun, it’s our duty to do the cleaning. Thank you to all the cleaners for tidying our city.” According to the Phra Nakhon District Office, the Khao San Road area alone had accumulated 116 tonnes of rubbish from April 12 to April 14. In contrast, the Bangrak District Office reported that Silom Road was littered with 33.5 tonnes of rubbish on April 13 and April 14. These figures underscore the scale of the post-festival clean-up that was necessary to restore order in the city, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, traffic swelled on the roads heading towards Bangkok as the long holiday season drew to a close, with authorities opening additional lanes to manage the influx. Yesterday, citizens began returning to the capital in droves after celebrating the Songkran festival. The Mittraphap Road, a major thoroughfare connecting the northeastern region of Thailand to Bangkok, experienced significant congestion, particularly at the 39-kilometre mark descending from Khao Khlang Dong in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Authorities from Nakhon Ratchasima’s Highway Police implemented special traffic measures extending from Pak Chong to Saraburi Province to help ease the gridlock. Specifically, between Muak Lek District and Kaeng Khoi District, they opened extra lanes from the 30-kilometre mark in Muak Lek to the 17-kilometre mark in Thap Kwang, Kaeng Khoi. By Mitch Connor Caption: Picture courtesy of Thairath Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

2 Thai men arrested for sexually assaulting women at Songkran Photo via Facebook/ Survive - สายไหมต้องรอด and Channel 7 Police arrested two Thai men after a viral video on social media showed them sexually assaulting three women during a water fight at a Songkran Festival in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325168-2-thai-men-arrested-for-sexually-assaulting-women-at-songkran/

Police arrested two Thai men after a viral video on social media showed them sexually assaulting three women during a water fight at a Songkran Festival in Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. The incident occurred at about 8pm on April 15 at a water fight event on Phraekkasa Road in the Samut Prakarn province near Bangkok. A video of the incident shared on social media showed a group of four to five Thai men approaching three women on a motorcycle. The men splashed water over the women, while others threw white powder on them. Two men were caught sexually assaulting the women in the video, putting their hands under their clothes to touch their breasts. The video went viral on Thai social media, prompting many netizens to demand legal action against the men due to their clear identification in the video. Channel 7 reported that the three women in the video later filed a complaint against the two men at Mueang Samut Prakarn Police Station on April 16. Officers managed to identify the two men as 24 year old Phongphat and 24 year old Jumphon. The two were summoned to the police station for further questioning yesterday where the two admitted to the crime. Unintentionally drunk Phongphat told police that he would like to apologise to the victims. He claimed he was drunk and unable to control himself, insisting he did not intend to sexually assault anyone and denied further assault charges on others. Phongphat added that the man who recorded and posted the video was not his friend but joined the water fight with him on the day. Jumphon admitted to assaulting the women but did not provide further details to the police or media. The two were charged under Section 278 of the Criminal Law for committing public indecency. The penalty for this offence is imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 200,000 baht. Another sexual assault during the Songkran Festival that sparked controversy on Thai social media happened on Silom Road. The Facebook page Spacebar VIBE shared a picture of a woman, believed to be Thai, squeezing a man’s nipple while playing in a water fight. Many Thai netizens urged police to summon the woman for further legal action on sexual assault, but there have been no updates on the case. Questions about gender equality were raised, with many asking what would happen if the victim were a woman. Netizens emphasised that no one should be a victim of sexual assault, regardless of gender. By Petch Petpailin Caption: Photo via Facebook/ Survive - สายไหมต้องรอด and Channel 7 Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chon Buri officials bust illegal kratom juice operations targeting kids Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Police in Banglamung district, Chon Buri province, launched a coordinated operation yesterday that resulted in the dismantling of illegal kratom juice production sites known for distributing the substance to minors. The district’s administrative head, along with health officials and local police, led the crackdown on these clandestine establishments, netting nearly 2,000 bottles of the illicit mixture. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325166-chon-buri-officials-bust-illegal-kratom-juice-operations-targeting-kids/

Police in Banglamung district, Chon Buri province, launched a coordinated operation yesterday that resulted in the dismantling of illegal kratom juice production sites known for distributing the substance to minors. The district’s administrative head, along with health officials and local police, led the crackdown on these clandestine establishments, netting nearly 2,000 bottles of the illicit mixture. The operation targeted three main outlets: Mitre Kratom shop in Soi Khao Talo, Green Leaf Chon Buri 5 in the same alley, and another store at the entrance to Khao Talo. The Green Leaf Chon Buri 5 shop, in particular, was discovered to have a large-scale brewing operation on the second-floor balcony, where six large pots were used to concoct kratom juice non-stop, supplying a network of smaller retailers in the vicinity around the clock and generating over 20,000 baht (US$540) daily. During the raid, police also seized a significant quantity of cough syrup, used as an ingredient in the kratom mixture, including 24 bottles of Benadryl cough syrup and 30 bottles of Fatacylam antipyretic and anti-allergy medication. The confiscated items were ready-mixed kratom juice, prepared for sale, and various pharmaceuticals, reported KhaoSod. The individuals involved in these illegal activities are facing charges for violating the Ministry of Health’s announcement No. 424 (B.E. 2564 or 2021) and its amendment No. 430 (B.E. 2564 or 2021) under Section 6 (8) in conjunction with Section 50 of the Food Act, B.E. 2522 (1979). The penalties for such offences may include imprisonment ranging from six months to two years and fines between 5,000 and 20,000 baht (US$135 and US$540). In related news, Thai officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), orchestrated a search operation on February 14, honing in on a factory in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, amidst suspicions of illicit soda production laced with kratom. Reports from the police unveiled the factory’s alleged involvement in the clandestine distribution of kratom-infused soda under a covert brand across Bangkok. Acting swiftly, the police launched a meticulous investigation, securing a search warrant from the Nonthaburi Provincial Court. By Nattapong Westwood Caption: Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man’s ear nearly cut off during Songkran celebration in Chon Buri Picture courtesy of Sanook A man’s ear was nearly cut off during a violent altercation that took place yesterday evening in Chon Buri province, resulting in an emergency response from local rescuers. The incident, which occurred during the Songkran festivities, reportedly began over a disagreement about the man’s singing abilities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325165-man’s-ear-nearly-cut-off-during-songkran-celebration-in-chon-buri/

A man’s ear was nearly cut off during a violent altercation that took place yesterday evening in Chon Buri province, resulting in an emergency response from local rescuers. The incident, which occurred during the Songkran festivities, reportedly began over a disagreement about the man’s singing abilities. At approximately 7pm, yesterday April 16, the emergency services of Thammarat Manee Rat Rescue were alerted to an assault near the entrance to the worship of the Buddha Sihing event, an annual celebration in Chon Buri province’s Bang Pla Soi subdistrict, Mueang district. Upon arrival, rescuers found a man with his ear almost completely cut off. The initial medical response involved performing first aid to stem the bleeding, but the victim declined to be transported to the hospital. The injured man recounted that he had been singing karaoke at a mookata restaurant in the Don Hua Lo subdistrict of Mueang. His performance did not sit well with some of the patrons, leading to a verbal confrontation with a group of young individuals. The situation escalated when one of them attacked him with a knife, cutting his ear. In a desperate attempt to escape, he ran and managed to get on the back of a pickup truck filled with people celebrating Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year water festival. The truck eventually stopped near the annual provincial event where a good Samaritan noticed the man’s condition and contacted the rescue team, reported Sanook. The shocking event has raised concerns about the safety of public celebrations, especially during the high-spirited Songkran festival known for its jovial water fights. It serves as a stark reminder that festivities can quickly turn dangerous if disputes are not resolved peacefully. The local authorities are now investigating the incident to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the attack. The assault casts a shadow on the Songkran celebrations, which are typically marked by a spirit of goodwill and friendly water splashing, in stark contrast to the violence that unfolded. By Samantha Rose Caption: Picture courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Crackdown on foreign criminals – spotlight on Phuket FILE PHOTO: The Phuket News The authorities in Thailand continue to crack down on foreign criminals operating businesses illegally, using Thai nominees, lacking work permits, overstaying and “stealing” Thai jobs. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325164-crackdown-on-foreign-criminals-–-spotlight-on-phuket/

The authorities in Thailand continue to crack down on foreign criminals operating businesses illegally, using Thai nominees, lacking work permits, overstaying and “stealing” Thai jobs. Surapong Thanomjit from Provincial Police Region 8 says the Royal Thai Police and Interior Ministry are focusing on Phuket in particular, along with the islands of Surat Thani, where a dedicated task force has been created to crack down on foreign criminals and Thais assisting them with dodgy paperwork. As the number of foreign tourists coming to Phuket increases year on year, the authorities are becoming concerned about the intentions of some. Surapong says foreign criminals may arrive pretending to be tourists and go on to commit crimes in the kingdom with fake long-term visa documentation. By Peter Roche Caption: FILE PHOTO: The Phuket News Full story: Phuket GO 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket police arrest suspect in burglary of foreign-owned villa PHOTOS: Facebook/เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket Chalong Police have arrested a man wanted in connection with the burglary of a foreign-owned villa, according to a Phuket News report. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325162-phuket-police-arrest-suspect-in-burglary-of-foreign-owned-villa/

Chalong Police have arrested a man wanted in connection with the burglary of a foreign-owned villa, according to a Phuket News report. The suspect, named as 45 year old Santi Buakaew and a resident of Cherngtalay, in the coastal area of Thalang district, was arrested in Rawai. Santi was wanted for breaking into and robbing a villa in an undisclosed part of the island last October. On October 2, Phuket Provincial Court issued a warrant for his arrest. The authorities have not provided any information on the property that was targeted or on the nature of any items stolen or their value. By Peter Roche Caption: PHOTOS: Facebook/เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket Full story: Phuket GO 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Moves Toward OECD Membership BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is making strides towards joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325160-thailand-moves-toward-oecd-membership/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is making strides towards joining the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced details after Thailand submitted an application for OECD membership. The announcement came during an event attended by representatives from OECD member countries and the European Union. While three countries raised important questions, the majority supported Thailand’s application. Thailand highlighted its readiness and its longstanding relations with the OECD, which span over 42 years. A study by the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) indicates that joining the OECD could boost Thailand’s GDP by 1.6% or about 200 billion baht, underlining the economic benefits of membership. OECD membership would likely increase investment, create jobs, and enhance the capabilities of the country’s workforce. Parnpree stated that OECD membership would provide greater economic stability for Thailand and elevate its international stature, as the OECD comprises developed countries. He expressed optimism that joining the OECD would help advance Thailand to developed country status by 2037. However, Minister Parnpree acknowledged challenges such as aligning laws and policies with international standards, which necessitate a public understanding of the benefits of joining. A committee has been formed to accelerate the membership process. By Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tourist boat catches fire while on river sight-seeing in Ayutthaya A tourist boat caught fire as it was bringing 24 Thai tourists for a sight-seeing tour of the Chao Phraya river in Muang district of Ayutthaya province this afternoon. All the tourists were, however, safely evacuated to another passing tourist boat. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325089-tourist-boat-catches-fire-while-on-river-sight-seeing-in-ayutthaya/

A tourist boat caught fire as it was bringing 24 Thai tourists for a sight-seeing tour of the Chao Phraya river in Muang district of Ayutthaya province this afternoon. All the tourists were, however, safely evacuated to another passing tourist boat. No one was harmed in the incident, but the boat was completely damaged by the fire. A tourist boat operator, Ms Natnicha Sorndee, said that the boat was about four years old and had insurance coverage for all the passengers. It was reported that the tourists were having lunch on board the boat when fire started, emitting black smoke, causing panic among some of them. Fortunately, another tourist boat passed by and all of them were evacuated on to it. Local police and officials of the Marine Department are investigating the cause of the fire. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe