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Picture courtesy of อุดรธานี ชาแนล Facebook A fire erupted at the seven-storey outpatient and administrative building of Udon Thani Hospital, prompting the swift evacuation of patients by vigilant nurses and rescue personnel. Thanks to the rapid response of fire services, the blaze was quickly brought under control, with no injuries or fatalities reported. The fire, reported on March 18, initially engulfed the pharmacy on the second floor, with smoke spreading towards the third floor. Emergency services, including the Udon Thani Rescue Foundation and local firefighters, responded promptly. Their efforts successfully contained the fire, preventing it from causing extensive damage. Preliminary findings indicate an electrical short circuit in a medicine dispensing robot's control cabinet as the likely cause of the fire, with police conducting an ongoing investigation to confirm the precise origin. Firefighters remained on-site to ensure no further outbreaks occurred, dousing the area to eliminate lingering smoke. Police Colonel Phattanawong Chanphon, overseeing the investigation, noted the fire's proximity to a computer server in the pharmacy. Following the report, emergency teams acted swiftly, extinguishing the fire before it could escalate further. Dr. Olan Wiwattanachang, Deputy Director of Udon Thani Hospital, acknowledged the incident's impact but reassured that normal operations are expected to resume by the next day. Further investigations will ascertain the role of the dispensing robot’s control cabinet in the fire, as the hospital works towards complete operational recovery, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

DNP Toasts New Alcohol Rules for National Parks Picture courtesy of Mae Takhrai National Park Thailand The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has unveiled plans to allow alcohol consumption in designated areas within their parks, but only with a permit from the park's manager. DNP chief Attapol Charoenchansa announced this potential policy change following public consultations, marking a shift in the current no-alcohol stance aimed at maintaining peace among campers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355145-dnp-toasts-new-alcohol-rules-for-national-parks/

Picture courtesy of Mae Takhrai National Park Thailand The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has unveiled plans to allow alcohol consumption in designated areas within their parks, but only with a permit from the park's manager. DNP chief Attapol Charoenchansa announced this potential policy change following public consultations, marking a shift in the current no-alcohol stance aimed at maintaining peace among campers. The proposal introduces clubhouses for group recreational use, allowing visitors to enjoy drinks without disturbing the tranquillity of other guests. These measures, still awaiting final approval, are expected to be enacted within two months after being published in the Royal Gazette and will apply to national parks throughout Thailand. “The regulation is designed to control where and how alcohol can be enjoyed, ensuring all visitors can experience the parks without disruption,” Attapol stated. By requiring permits for designated drinking areas, the DNP seeks to foster a harmonious balance between relaxation and respect for fellow park-goers. As the new regulations prepare for roll-out, park enthusiasts can soon look forward to enjoying a more spirited outdoor experience, responsibly and in designated zones. Cheers to thoughtful regulations that allow a toast in nature’s great venues, without sacrificing serenity, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Dark Days: Chon Buri Athletes Demand Lighting Fix at Local Sports Facility Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News Residents and athletes in Chon Buri find themselves in a dim situation at the local sports facility, where the lack of lighting has halted night-time training sessions. The Nong Pla Lai Takraw Group is urgently appealing to Thai officials to address the issue that has left players practicing in the shadows and raised significant safety concerns. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355144-dark-days-chon-buri-athletes-demand-lighting-fix-at-local-sports-facility/

Pictures courtesy of The Pattaya News Residents and athletes in Chon Buri find themselves in a dim situation at the local sports facility, where the lack of lighting has halted night-time training sessions. The Nong Pla Lai Takraw Group is urgently appealing to Thai officials to address the issue that has left players practicing in the shadows and raised significant safety concerns. Leading the call for action is 31-year-old Natthaphong Bunmoe, representing the 12-member group. Bunmoe expressed the frustration of local athletes who depend on the Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict Municipality Health Park for their evening takraw practices. Since December, the non-functioning lights have rendered the park unsuitable for nighttime activities. “The field is crucial for health and fitness in our community, but without lights, it’s completely unusable after sunset,” lamented Natthaphong. The park, intended to foster community wellness, now lies in disuse during crucial evening hours, impacting not only the takraw group but also the local youth who exercise there. Despite undergoing renovations worth over 18 million baht, funded by the Chon Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation, the park’s lighting has been overlooked. This oversight spurred outrage among locals, worried their investment into the facility will be squandered, leaving it unused. Takraw, or sepak takraw, is a dynamic sport that sees players using their feet, knees, chest, and head to volley a rattan ball over a net. Popular across Southeast Asia for its acrobatic gameplay, the sport's practice has been impeded by inadequate lighting at the Nong Pla Lai venue. The local community now demands swift intervention from responsible agencies to install proper lighting. Without timely action, the significant potential of the park to foster community engagement and physical health risks being lost in the shadows, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Bangkok Airways Plans Fleet Expansion Amid Tourism Surge File photo for reference only Bangkok Airways is preparing to rejuvenate its fleet with an order of up to 30 new aircraft, capitalising on a surge in tourism fueled by the popular TV series The White Lotus. Chief Executive Officer Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth announced plans to acquire at least 20 single-aisle jets from major manufacturers Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer, with an option for about 10 additional units. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355143-bangkok-airways-plans-fleet-expansion-amid-tourism-surge/

File photo for reference only Bangkok Airways is preparing to rejuvenate its fleet with an order of up to 30 new aircraft, capitalising on a surge in tourism fueled by the popular TV series The White Lotus. Chief Executive Officer Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth announced plans to acquire at least 20 single-aisle jets from major manufacturers Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer, with an option for about 10 additional units. The airline aims to expand its fleet size to at least 30 jets over the next four to five years, which includes leasing agreements. Currently operating 25 jets, some of which are over two decades old, the upgrade is considered essential for growth. Routes between Bangkok and top tourist spots such as Koh Samui, where the airline owns the airport, are central to the expansion plan. The site served as a filming location for The White Lotus, and the hit series is anticipated to draw tourists to Thailand, with a government forecast estimating a record 40 million visitors this year. Bangkok Airways reported a 14% rise in advance bookings for the second quarter, usually a low season in Thai tourism. Anticipating increased traffic, the airline predicts carrying 10% to 20% more passengers this year compared to the 2.7 million in 2022 on routes to Koh Samui. In response to growing demand, a 1.5-billion-baht renovation of Samui airport is scheduled to commence later this year, aiming to last three years while maintaining operations. Approval has been secured to increase daily flights from 50 to 73. With these developments, Bangkok Airways is on track to set a new record by transporting anexpected 4.7 million passengers this year, marking an increase from 4.3 million in 2024, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

Thai PM Denies Opposition’s 30-Hour Censure Debate Control Photo courtesy of Bower Group Asia Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has dismissed the opposition's bid to dictate the entirety of a proposed 30-hour censure debate duration. On March 18, she clarified that controlling the length of the debate is beyond her jurisdiction. The coalition government echoed her views, deeming the opposition's request disproportionate. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355142-thai-pm-denies-opposition’s-30-hour-censure-debate-control/

Photo courtesy of Bower Group Asia Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has dismissed the opposition's bid to dictate the entirety of a proposed 30-hour censure debate duration. On March 18, she clarified that controlling the length of the debate is beyond her jurisdiction. The coalition government echoed her views, deeming the opposition's request disproportionate. Responsibility for determining the debate's timeframe rests with the government and opposition whips, who are scheduled to meet shortly for a decision. Previously, PM Paetongtarn consented to a balanced 30-hour debate, divided equally between both parties. However, the opposition's insistence on monopolising the full duration has stirred contention. During a recent Cabinet meeting, PM Paetongtarn informed members of a schedule adjustment, delaying their weekly gathering to March 27 to allow for the debate set for early next week, per government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. In a conciliatory move, the opposition agreed to refer to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s father, as "a family member" in the debate, a stipulation she accepted without reservation. Despite being beyond the official political landscape, Thaksin remains an influential figure within the ruling Pheu Thai Party. She also addressed the opposition's promotional poster for the debate featuring the slogan "a Deal for a Country," noting its provocative nature intended to garner attention. Meanwhile, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, deputy leader of the People's Party, argued that the slogan criticises Pheu Thai's perceived failures to honor its promises, impacting the public negatively. As preparations for the censure debate advance, the focus remains on negotiating a fair and effective platform for governmental scrutiny, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Ex-Construction Worker Arrested in Bangkok Amulet Burglary A former construction worker has been arrested for stealing amulets and gold worth 16 million baht from an elite amulet trader’s home in Lat Krabang, Bangkok. On March 19, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom led the operation alongside his deputies to detain 45-year-old Narit. The arrest followed a spate of burglaries conducted on March 15 across multiple homes. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355141-ex-construction-worker-arrested-in-bangkok-amulet-burglary/

A former construction worker has been arrested for stealing amulets and gold worth 16 million baht from an elite amulet trader’s home in Lat Krabang, Bangkok. On March 19, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom led the operation alongside his deputies to detain 45-year-old Narit. The arrest followed a spate of burglaries conducted on March 15 across multiple homes. Narit specifically targeted the residence of a well-known amulet trader, absconding with 107 amulets and various gold items totalling 35 baht in weight. The theft led to a staggering financial hit for the trader, approximately valued at US$475,630. The investigation disclosed Narit's methodical approach: he roamed neighbourhoods on foot, eyeing homes that appeared vacant. He targeted standalone houses situated in older, more established residential areas, preferring those adjacent to canals, forests, or railways for easy escape routes. His strategy involved cautiously checking for any presence in the house, either by observing through windows or tossing objects to check for inside movement. Once assured the property was unoccupied, he would enter through a window, snatch valuable goods, and retreat via discreet paths. Tracked and apprehended on March 18 near a mansion in the Ramkhamhaeng area, Narit confessed his crimes were fueled by a relentless gambling addiction. Having left his construction job due to this habit, past gambling victories, including winning 1 million baht, quickly dissolved into debt. Pursuing theft to sustain his addiction, Narit frequently sold stolen items to finance online gambling. Narit’s criminal activities spanned Lat Krabang, Prawet, and Bang Chan areas. With his arrest, he and the recovered items have been transferred to Lat Krabang Police Station for further legal proceedings. This case has heightened awareness about home security and the impacts of gambling addiction, urging citizens to remain vigilant, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Bangkok Drug Bust: Major Raid in Wang Thonglang Nets Suspected Dealer Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a decisive move, the 191 police unit executed a raid on a high-end residence in Bangkok's Wang Thonglang district, resulting in the arrest of a man for drug possession. The operation unfolded at 10.30am on March 18, spearheaded by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and a team of esteemed officers. Their efforts led to the seizure of a staggering amount of illicit substances, including 313 ketamine vape pods, 80 bags of ketamine, 53 ecstasy pills, and 38 disposable e-cigarettes. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355140-bangkok-drug-bust-major-raid-in-wang-thonglang-nets-suspected-dealer/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod In a decisive move, the 191 police unit executed a raid on a high-end residence in Bangkok's Wang Thonglang district, resulting in the arrest of a man for drug possession. The operation unfolded at 10.30am on March 18, spearheaded by Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and a team of esteemed officers. Their efforts led to the seizure of a staggering amount of illicit substances, including 313 ketamine vape pods, 80 bags of ketamine, 53 ecstasy pills, and 38 disposable e-cigarettes. The raid was a collaborative effort involving Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom, Metropolitan Police Bureau commissioner, and his deputies, alongside officers from the Patrol and Special Operations Division. The team acted swiftly on intelligence, targeting a luxurious village home believed to be at the centre of drug activity. Patrol officers, working with precision, apprehended 35-year-old Pawarit, who claimed ownership of the residence. During their search, they discovered a substantial amount of drugs, including notorious ketamine vape pods and packs of Happy Water. Pawarit was immediately taken into custody, and a formal arrest record was logged. The seized items, along with the suspect, were subsequently handed over to investigators for further legal proceedings. This high-profile raid underscores the continued effort by Bangkok authorities to combat drug trafficking and distribution, targeting operations nestled even within upscale communities. The Metropolitan Police Bureau remains resolute in their mission, ensuring such activities are curtailed to maintain public safety and lawfulness, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Nonthaburi Dating Scam: Man Loses Motorcycle to Online Romance Photo via Facebook/ Phitchakon Khamtan In Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, a Thai man's trust in a woman he met through a dating app led to the loss of his motorcycle over the weekend. The victim, Phitchakorn Khamtan, 24, turned to his Facebook followers for help after his red Yamaha Grand Filano vanished on Saturday, March 15th. He revealed the theft occurred outside an apartment on Nakhon Inn Road, noting distinctive features like a broken left light and a 'Family 13 Gangster' sticker. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355138-nonthaburi-dating-scam-man-loses-motorcycle-to-online-romance/

Cosmic Awakenings: Thailand's Khao Kala Attracts UFO Enthusiasts Picture courtesy of The Thaiger Bangkok content creator Travis Leon Price recently embarked on an extraordinary pilgrimage, delving into Thailand’s mysterious Khao Kala, widely dubbed the nation’s Area 51. This mountainous locale has become an epicentre for those curious about UFOs and extraterrestrials, driven by local legends that aliens walk among us. Residents assert that meditating by the Buddha statue in Khao Kala allows one to hear alien voices, making the site a beacon for spiritual seekers and cosmic enthusiasts alike. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355137-cosmic-awakenings-thailands-khao-kala-attracts-ufo-enthusiasts/

Photo via Facebook/ Phitchakon Khamtan In Nonthaburi province near Bangkok, a Thai man's trust in a woman he met through a dating app led to the loss of his motorcycle over the weekend. The victim, Phitchakorn Khamtan, 24, turned to his Facebook followers for help after his red Yamaha Grand Filano vanished on Saturday, March 15th. He revealed the theft occurred outside an apartment on Nakhon Inn Road, noting distinctive features like a broken left light and a 'Family 13 Gangster' sticker. Phitchakorn's post garnered attention, but crucial details emerged during his interview with Channel 7, where he identified the thief as Pannarai, a 23-year-old woman he'd met online three weeks prior. Although he'd met Pannarai several times, he noted discrepancies between her real appearance and online photos, leading him to avoid pursuing a serious relationship. On the day of the incident, Pannarai requested to borrow Phitchakorn’s motorcycle, claiming she needed it for a job interview. Out of sympathy, Phitchakorn agreed. However, Pannarai failed to return with the vehicle at the agreed time. Attempts to contact her went unanswered, prompting Phitchakorn to report the theft to Bang Kluay Police Station urgently. Police made efforts to contact Pannarai through her father, yet he claimed he hadn't communicated with her in a while. This incident reflects ongoing concerns about trust and deception in online dating, urging individuals to exercise caution when interacting with strangers in cyberspace, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Picture courtesy of The Thaiger Bangkok content creator Travis Leon Price recently embarked on an extraordinary pilgrimage, delving into Thailand’s mysterious Khao Kala, widely dubbed the nation’s Area 51. This mountainous locale has become an epicentre for those curious about UFOs and extraterrestrials, driven by local legends that aliens walk among us. Residents assert that meditating by the Buddha statue in Khao Kala allows one to hear alien voices, making the site a beacon for spiritual seekers and cosmic enthusiasts alike. Documenting his journey, Price engaged with locals claiming regular UFO sightings. Guided to a UFO club and a series of Buddha statues, he joined a nightly vigil in hopes of capturing a glimpse of the unknown. Mysterious lights flickering across the sky fueled lively online debates, prompting questions about whether these were military drones or something more enigmatic. Khao Kala's reputation as a cosmic hotspot gained traction in 2019 when locals claimed to commune telepathically with alien beings during meditation. Though sightings and dialogues are spontaneous, the area continues to draw thrill-seekers and spiritual voyagers. In recent years, it has even hosted Thailand’s first UFO music festival, blending musical experiences with celestial hopes. Attendees, like Siwadon Chantanasewi, report sightings during gatherings, further cementing the site's legendary status. For those eager to encounter the unexplained, Khao Kala offers a serene yet enigmatic gateway into the universe’s wonders. Whether a meditative session leads to an alien conversation or a starry sky reveals unexpected visitors, this mystical region promises a cosmic adventure, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Aussie Influencer Calls Out American Over Wombat Snatch Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail An American woman's ill-considered social media post involving a wombat joey has stirred a frenzy in Australia, ultimately sending her fleeing to Thailand amidst a whirlwind of backlash. The incident, initially shared on TikTok by the woman, Samantha Strable, showcased her attempting to capture a wombat joey, sparking immediate outrage from Australian wildlife enthusiasts and beyond. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355135-aussie-influencer-calls-out-american-over-wombat-snatch/

Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail An American woman's ill-considered social media post involving a wombat joey has stirred a frenzy in Australia, ultimately sending her fleeing to Thailand amidst a whirlwind of backlash. The incident, initially shared on TikTok by the woman, Samantha Strable, showcased her attempting to capture a wombat joey, sparking immediate outrage from Australian wildlife enthusiasts and beyond. In the video, Strable's boyfriend, Louis Sixt, can be seen laughing as the mother wombat frantically chased after them, accentuating the distress of the mother in the encounter. Renowned Melbourne influencer Anthony Voulgaris sharply criticised Strable in front of his half a million followers, igniting a fervent online discourse. He labeled their actions as disdainful and reiterated the importance of respecting wildlife, exclaiming, "This isn't a mistake. You're being a terrible person." The viral video has prompted thousands of comments, with many viewers expressing empathy for the distressed wombat. Others, however, argue that while the handling of wildlife was improper, the torrent of abuse Strable encountered was disproportionate. Amidst the uproar, Strable maintains her innocence, insisting the joey was unharmed and promptly returned to its mother. This incident continues to fuel discussions about wildlife preservation and social media's power to ignite social outrage. As Strable grapples with the fallouts of her actions, the event reminds global audiences of the ongoing challenges in balancing human curiosity with the respect and protection of wildlife, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Thai Airways Slashes Domestic Prices for Songkran Festival File photo for reference only Thai Airways International is offering a 30% discount on select domestic flights to meet the travel demand during the popular Songkran holiday. Over 1,500 seats are available for this offer. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355134-thai-airways-slashes-domestic-prices-for-songkran-festival/

File photo for reference only Thai Airways International is offering a 30% discount on select domestic flights to meet the travel demand during the popular Songkran holiday. Over 1,500 seats are available for this offer. In response to the Ministry of Transport's request to lower prices during the peak travel dates of April 11-17, the airline announced discounted fares for routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. To accommodate more travelers, Thai Airways will be deploying larger aircraft on busy routes such as Bangkok to Phuket and Chiang Mai. The airline plans to switch from the smaller Airbus A320 to larger Boeing 777-200ER, Boeing 787-9, or Airbus A330-300 planes. Travelers can book these discounted seats until March 21 via Thai Airways' website, their sales offices, or by contacting their Call Center at 0-2356-1111. The airline has outlined the number of seats available and the conditions for ticket purchase, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-03-19

Tourist in Monk Robe Fined for Wild Snake Ride in Pattaya - video Photo via Facebook/ สยามชล นิวส์ A man caused quite a stir in Pattaya when a video of him riding a motorcycle with a snake on his shoulder went viral. The 40-year-old woman, Bang-on Chom-ngam, captured the footage and posted it on Chon Buri News' Facebook page, hoping to identify the daredevil rider for his reckless behavior. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355133-tourist-in-monk-robe-fined-for-wild-snake-ride-in-pattaya-video/

Photo via Facebook/ สยามชล นิวส์ A man caused quite a stir in Pattaya when a video of him riding a motorcycle with a snake on his shoulder went viral. The 40-year-old woman, Bang-on Chom-ngam, captured the footage and posted it on Chon Buri News' Facebook page, hoping to identify the daredevil rider for his reckless behavior. The man, who later identified himself as 40-year-old Prasert, turned himself in at Bang Lamung Police Station. Despite wearing a yellow monk's robe, he clarified he was not a monk but a tourist traveling from Rayong to Pattaya. Prasert explained that he wore the robe as it was comfortable and dried quickly. Prasert's motorcycle, which was adorned with dried flowers, garlands, and glasses, concealed the registration plate. He collected these items from various shrines and graveyards during his journey, believing in their mystical powers. His unusual companion, a pet ball python draped over his shoulder, is not among the species banned from being kept as pets. Despite his explanations, police fined Prasert for his reckless riding. The fine amount wasn't revealed, but he was instructed to remove the floral decorations from his bike for public safety, reported The Thaiger. -- 2025-03-19

Thailand Gears Up: Discussions Underway for Formula One Event Pictures courtesy of The Nation Thailand is on the brink of a thrilling opportunity to host a Formula One Grand Prix. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has initiated discussions with Stefano Domenicali, CEO of the Formula One Group, exploring the feasibility of bringing this prestigious event to the nation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355132-thailand-gears-up-discussions-underway-for-formula-one-event/

British Cannabis Smuggler Caught in Major Thai Airport Bust Photo via MGR Online In a significant breakthrough, Thai officials have detained one of Britain's leading cannabis smugglers at Samui International Airport. This arrest forms part of a larger operation against illegal cannabis smuggling, culminating in the detention of 13 foreign nationals, including ten Britons. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1355131-british-cannabis-smuggler-caught-in-major-thai-airport-bust/