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In a move towards eco-friendly commuting, BYD, the leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer from China, has unleashed its electric bus onto the bustling streets of Bangkok. Offering complimentary rides to commuters in the vibrant Thong Lo area until April 30, this trial run marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s transportation landscape. Under the auspices of Rever Commercial Vehicles Ltd, the authorised dealer of BYD EVs in Thailand, the test run signifies a bold leap towards sustainable urban mobility. CEO Pratarnwong Phornprapha expressed the significance of real-world testing, particularly following BYD’s recent nod to establish an assembly facility for EV buses and trucks within Thailand, marking the company’s inaugural production site beyond Chinese borders. Navigating the thoroughfares of Thong Lo, one of Bangkok’s busiest business districts, the BYD B70 bus shuttles passengers between shopping hubs and tourist attractions. From Thong Lo Port to the Thong Lo BTS station, this emission-free marvel traverses key landmarks from dawn till dusk, boasting a 36-seat capacity and a remarkable 150-kilometre range on a single charge. Equipped with modern conveniences such as USB charging ports at every seat and accessibility features like wheelchair ramps, the B70 exemplifies BYD’s commitment to passenger comfort and inclusivity. CEO Pratarnwong highlights the pivotal role of EVs in combatting air pollution, citing the B70’s low carbon emissions as a boon for urban environments, reported The Nation. As positive feedback floods in from passengers, Rever Commercial Vehicles sets its sights on expanding electric vehicle production to cater to various sectors, including tourism, logistics, and mass transit. In related news, Phuket is gearing up for a greener future with the launch of a free air-conditioned electric bus service in the heart of the city. Scheduled to accelerate on May 9, this eco-friendly initiative is driven by a collaboration between local companies under the banner of PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

French national apprehended in Bangkok on kidnap charge Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau apprehended a 45 year old French national at a hotel in the Silom area of Bang Rak district. The arrest, which took place around 10pm yesterday concerned allegations of a planned kidnapping of the young daughter of a renowned businesswoman, with a demand for a 200 million baht ransom. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325394-french-national-apprehended-in-bangkok-on-kidnap-charge/

Bangkok’s Metropolitan Police Bureau apprehended a 45 year old French national at a hotel in the Silom area of Bang Rak district. The arrest, which took place around 10pm yesterday concerned allegations of a planned kidnapping of the young daughter of a renowned businesswoman, with a demand for a 200 million baht ransom. The arrest warrant for Sandra Christina Marie Diersten, suspected of illegal assembly, was issued by the Criminal Court on April 5, following a complaint lodged with Thong Lor Police Station. The businesswoman had been alerted to the plot to kidnap her seven year old daughter by a remorseful member of the gang. This tip-off instigated an investigation which led to the issuance of Diersten’s arrest warrant, who was reportedly the gang’s ringleader. Police Major General Theeradet Thumsuthee, an investigative commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, led a team of detectives to Diersten’s location on the day of her arrest. They discovered Diersten at a Silom hotel, in the company of a Lebanese man. At the time of her arrest, Diersten denied all charges, claiming to be a businesswoman who had been defrauded by an Australian man, the husband of the Thai businesswoman and father of the targeted child. Diersten stated that she had invested approximately 185 million baht with the man, alleging that he had defrauded her and then falsely accused her of the kidnap plot to avoid repaying his debts. Diersten further claimed to have met the Lebanese man in Dubai previously and explained her failure to report her entry into Thailand was due to safety concerns. Following her arrest, she was transferred into the custody of Thong Lor Police Station, reported Bangkok Post. Despite her denials, Pol. Maj. Gen. Theeradet expressed scepticism over Diersten’s claims, stating the police had gathered ample evidence against her. The investigation continues. In related news, five members of a Russian gang have been apprehended for the kidnapping and extortion of a Belarusian couple in Phuket, forcing them to transfer 30 million baht in cryptocurrency before abandoning them. The incident occurred on January 31, at a prominent hotel in the Talad Yai area of Mueang Phuket district. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Yala police officer critically wounded in midnight ambush Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A police officer was critically injured in a late-night ambush while on patrol in Banang Sata, Yala province. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325393-yala-police-officer-critically-wounded-in-midnight-ambush/

A police officer was critically injured in a late-night ambush while on patrol in Banang Sata, Yala province. The incident occurred around midnight close to a 7-Eleven store adjacent to Krung Thai Bank in Banang Sata sub-district. The officer, identified as Wacharaphong Chaiyaphan from the Banang Sata Police Station, was shot by an unidentified gunman and suffered a gunshot wound to the waist. He was quickly transported to Banang Sata Hospital for medical treatment. Police Major Worawit Na Nakhon, an investigator from the Banang Sata Police Station, reported receiving notification of the attack and immediately coordinated a response team to examine the crime scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the injured officer, Wacharaphong Chaiyaphan, and initiated a preliminary investigation. Before the shooting, Wacharaphong Chaiyaphan, who leads the local police patrol unit known as Sing Thong, was conducting a routine patrol to ensure public safety within the area under his jurisdiction. According to the sequence of events, one or more assailants, whose numbers and vehicle type remain unknown, opened fire on the police unit with unidentified firearms. Wacharaphong Chaiyaphan was hit in the waist by a bullet during the execution of his duty. The motive and details of the attack are currently under intense investigation by the authorities. The search for the perpetrators is ongoing, as law enforcement officials gather evidence, review CCTV footage, and interview potential witnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. This violent act against a member of the police force has heightened concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers in the region, which has a history of insurgent activity. The authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice and are calling on the community for support and any information that may lead to the capture of the attackers, reported KhaoSod. As the investigation unfolds, the police force is also reviewing its patrol and security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to provide better protection for its officers and the public. The injured officer’s condition is being closely monitored, and updates on his recovery will be provided as they become available. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

TAT to launch Nihao Festival in October to woo Chinese tourists Photo courtesy of The Nation To captivate the hearts of Chinese tourists, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has unveiled a month-long extravaganza, the Nihao Festival, set to take place for the entire month of October. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325391-tat-to-launch-nihao-festival-in-october-to-woo-chinese-tourists/

To captivate the hearts of Chinese tourists, the Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) has unveiled a month-long extravaganza, the Nihao Festival, set to take place for the entire month of October. Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool announced the grand scheme yesterday, aiming to entice holidaymakers during China’s National Day Golden Week, renowned for its bustling travel fervour. The festivity will unfurl across Bangkok’s vibrant Chinatown, on Yaowarat Road, igniting jubilant celebrations in honour of China’s National Day. Branch offices of TAT nestled in Chinese tourist hotspots like Chiang Mai and Phuket are fervently crafting event blueprints to charm the anticipated influx. Thapanee revealed TAT’s strategic plan to nudge tour agencies towards offering irresistible deals, including promotions on tour packages, airfare discounts, and exclusive gifts for Chinese visitors, fostering a favourable impression throughout October. Reports from TAT indicate a staggering 2.03 million Chinese nationals have graced Thailand’s shores from January 1 to April 14, clinching the top spot in foreign arrivals. With an ambitious target of 8 million Chinese tourists this year, TAT envisions a colossal revenue surge of approximately 350 billion baht. Forecasts hint at a total foreign footfall of 35 million, promising a whopping tourism windfall of 2.3 trillion baht for the year. Thapanee outlined TAT’s strategic calendar, spotlighting forthcoming attractions such as August’s electrifying Summer Sonic Bangkok music festival and November’s tantalising International Food Festival. Reflecting on the triumphant Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 in April, held at Bangkok’s Sanam Luang, Thapanee hailed the event’s unprecedented success, drawing in a throng of Thai and foreign revellers, reported The Nation. With an estimated 20 million tourists traversing Thailand from April 1 to 21, including 2 million foreigners, Thapanee projected a tourism bonanza, spearheaded by the Songkran Festival, poised to rake in a staggering 150 billion baht. In related news, a recent measure granting visa-free travel between Thailand and China sparked a surge in tourism expectations. As per the reports collected by five TAT overseas offices located in Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu, and Guangzhou, it’s predicted that tourism between the two nations could dramatically rise by the end of 2024. By Mitch Connor Caption: Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Brewing herbal revolution: Thai herbs poised to spice up global markets Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke unveiled Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s master plan to transform Thai herbs into a formidable soft power product, captivating domestic and international markets. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325390-brewing-herbal-revolution-thai-herbs-poised-to-spice-up-global-markets/

Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke unveiled Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s master plan to transform Thai herbs into a formidable soft power product, captivating domestic and international markets. “Prime Minister Thavisin’s vision is crystal clear: to propel Thailand’s herbal industry to unprecedented heights, elevating the status of Thai herbs worldwide.” Harnessing the innate medicinal prowess, rich biodiversity, and indigenous knowledge embedded within Thai herbs, the government aims to capitalise on the burgeoning global demand for natural remedies. With projections soaring to a staggering 2.7 trillion baht by 2030, the herbal market’s potential is nothing short of astronomical. Thailand, already crowned the ASEAN’s top herbal exporter last year, is poised to clinch global dominance. Buoyed by this momentum, the government formed the National Thai Herbs Policy Committee, a collaborative powerhouse of five ministries, meticulously crafting strategies to thrust Thailand into the herbal limelight. Following the committee’s directives, Thailand’s herbal production has witnessed an unprecedented surge. Spearheaded by the ambitious Herbal City Project spanning 14 provinces, this initiative embodies a holistic approach, encompassing cultivation, processing, and tourism, reported Bangkok Post. From the verdant fields of Amnat Charoen to the bustling markets of Chiang Rai, Thailand’s herbal revolution is in full swing, heralding an era of economic prosperity and sustainable community development. In related news, Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) has evolved over the centuries into a holistic health system that encompasses five diverse approaches: Internal Medicine, External Medicine, Spirit Medicine, Divination, and Buddhism. This natural and comprehensive approach to healthcare mirrors the development of Western medicine. In other news, whilst Bangkokians battle with the silent killer, the potent PM2.5 air pollution, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine unveils a game-changing solution to combat the notorious dust particles threatening the health of residents in the capital city. Amidst rising concerns over the long-term health impacts of PM2.5 exposure, Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin reveals the secrets of four Thai herbs that promise to shield your lungs and heart from the invisible menace. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Japan’s visitor count hits record high with Thai tourists in the mix Picture of Thai tourists near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan, on April 13, 2024, courtesy of Bangkok News Japan experienced a surge in foreign visitors in March, surpassing the three million mark for the first time in a single month. Thai tourists to Japan ranked sixth, contributing to the notable increase in visitors. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325389-japan’s-visitor-count-hits-record-high-with-thai-tourists-in-the-mix/

Japan experienced a surge in foreign visitors in March, surpassing the three million mark for the first time in a single month. Thai tourists to Japan ranked sixth, contributing to the notable increase in visitors. South Korea topped the list with 663,100 visitors marking a 13.2% rise from 2019 pre-pandemic levels. Taiwan and China followed with 484,400 and 452,400 visitors respectively. The number of visitors from the United States was 290,100, a 64.3% increase, while Hong Kong followed with 231,400, a 35% rise. Despite a 10.7% drop from 2019, Thai tourists, at 131,700, led the number of holidaymakers from Southeast Asia. The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) reports that the expenditure by foreign visitors in Japan also hit a record high. A staggering 1.75 trillion yen (418 billion baht) was spent in the first quarter of 2024, marking the highest ever for three months. This significant increase was largely driven by a weak yen. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during a meeting of a ministerial council aimed at promoting Japan as a tourism-oriented country, expressed his delight at the increase in tourists. “We can expect record highs for both arrivals and spending in 2024 if the current pace continues.” The pre-pandemic era of 2019 saw an annual record of 31.88 million arrivals and a monthly high of 2,991,189 arrivals in July 2019. In 2023, a record 5.3 trillion yen was spent by visitors. As Japan strives to attract 60 million foreign visitors annually by 2030, it faces challenges stemming from the tourism boom, such as littering and traffic congestion. Kishida has urged ministers to improve measures addressing “over-tourism,” including diverting tourists from overcrowded urban areas to the country’s rural parts. Japanese travelling overseas in March increased by 75.7% from the previous year, hitting 1,219,800. However, this figure was still down 36.8% compared to 2019, reported Bangkok Post. In related news, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported over 28 million foreign arrivals in Thailand in 2023, with the largest number of travellers, 4.2 million, coming from Malaysia. Japan ranked tenth with 804,205 visitors. By Alex Morgan Caption: Picture of Thai tourists near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan, on April 13, 2024, courtesy of Bangkok News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai-Chinese high-speed railway agreements near completion Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) anticipates the closure of the final chapters in the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway’s first phase, reveals Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325387-thai-chinese-high-speed-railway-agreements-near-completion/

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) anticipates the closure of the final chapters in the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway’s first phase, reveals Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. Spanning 251 kilometres and boasting a staggering budget of 179.4 billion baht, the ambitious project links the bustling heart of Bangkok to the vibrant cityscape of Nakhon Ratchasima. Divided into 14 meticulously crafted contracts, only two remain awaiting the stroke of the pen, said Surapong. “Contract No. 4-5, tasked with the 13.3 kilometre Ban Pho–Phra Kaeo section in Ayutthaya, is on the cusp of fruition with a budget of 9.9 billion baht. Pending only the completion of a heritage impact assessment (HIA) report on the proposed Ayutthaya station.” Surapong reveals further that the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy is poised to submit the HIA report to Unesco imminently. “Approval is anticipated, given the scrutiny by the UN agency throughout the HIA process. The railway and station, strategically planned away from Ayutthaya’s World Heritage site, should encounter no hurdles.” Meanwhile, Contract No. 4-1 hangs in the balance, tethered to a 15.2-kilometre segment between Bang Sue and Don Muang in Bangkok. Originally envisioned as part of the high-speed railway network linking three major airports, its fate rests on the Board of Investment’s (BoI) impending decision, reported Bangkok Post. “Without BoI’s green light by May 22, alternative routes beckon. SRT might seize the reins solely for the Bang Sue-Don Muang stretch, a crucial lifeline to salvage the project’s punctuality.” Amidst delays plaguing the venture since its 2015 inception, the finish line now glimmers on the horizon: 2028. In related news, a replica of China’s Fuxing bullet train, bedecked in Thailand’s national colours and gifted during the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok in November 2022, now finds itself at the epicentre of a transformative railway saga between China and Thailand. As the wheels of progress turn, the construction of the China-Thailand Railway, a flagship venture under the Belt and Road cooperation framework, gains pace, promising to redefine Southeast Asia’s transportation landscape with cutting-edge rail technology. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Caption: Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Butterfly Wonderland at Thai National Park NAKHON RATCHASIMA, April 19 (TNA) – During summer, millions of butterflies of various species take flight from the forest to the Lam Chae Dam area, creating a spectacular sight for tourists to take close-up photos of these beautiful creatures. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325385-butterfly-wonderland-at-thai-national-park/

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, April 19 (TNA) – During summer, millions of butterflies of various species take flight from the forest to the Lam Chae Dam area, creating a spectacular sight for tourists to take close-up photos of these beautiful creatures. Located in the Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Lam Chae Dam not only serves as a popular water tourism destination with various water play spots to cool off, but also becomes a butterfly wonderland. These butterflies, with their diverse species and stunning colors, showcase the richness of the forest ecosystem in this national park. Full story: Thai News Agency 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

OFFO Mulls Measures to Support Diesel Prices BANGKOK, April 19 (TNA) – The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) is preparing to propose fund utilization to keep retail diesel prices not exceeding 30 baht per liter. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325384-offo-mulls-measures-to-support-diesel-prices/

BANGKOK, April 19 (TNA) – The Oil Fuel Fund Office (OFFO) is preparing to propose fund utilization to keep retail diesel prices not exceeding 30 baht per liter. Today marks the first day after the expiration of the diesel tax reduction measure, causing diesel prices to potentially adjust according to market mechanisms. The OFFO reports monitoring the global oil market situation, which remains at high levels with various factors impacting oil prices, notably the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Full story: Thai News Agency 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ex-deputy PM criticises senators’ planned European study trips as terms end Cr. FB ดร.ปลอดประสพ สุรัสวดี Former deputy prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has criticised a large group of senators who are planning overseas study trips before the end of their terms in office and has urged them to cancel their plans for “the sake of their dignity”. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325383-ex-deputy-pm-criticises-senators’-planned-european-study-trips-as-terms-end/

Former deputy prime minister Plodprasop Suraswadi has criticised a large group of senators who are planning overseas study trips before the end of their terms in office and has urged them to cancel their plans for “the sake of their dignity”. In his Facebook post today, Plodprasop said that the European study trips, planned by several Senate committees, whose terms in office are due to end on May 10th, have come under heavy public criticism because the trips will cost an estimated 81 million baht of taxpayers’ money. In justifying the study trips, the Senate committees claim that they have not been abroad for a few years, thanks to the COVID pandemic and, therefore, have saved the budget earmarked for overseas trips for Senate committees. Caption: Cr. FB ดร.ปลอดประสพ สุรัสวดี Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Diesel price to rise by one baht per litre this Saturday The diesel price is expected to increase by one baht, to 31.44 baht/litre, from tomorrow, unless the Fuel Fund Executive Committee decides to absorb the increase, fully or partially. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325382-diesel-price-to-rise-by-one-baht-per-litre-this-saturday/

The diesel price is expected to increase by one baht, to 31.44 baht/litre, from tomorrow, unless the Fuel Fund Executive Committee decides to absorb the increase, fully or partially. At its meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet decided not to extend the one baht/litre excise tax cut for diesel, which is due to expire today. This means that the pump price of diesel will automatically rise by one baht/litre at midnight tonight. Informed cabinet sources say that the Fuel Fund Executive Committee has not yet decided whether to absorb the full or half the price increase, as both options will impact the Oil Fuel Fund, which is already running at 103.6 billion baht in the red. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin’s most complicated mission ever Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra / AFP Thailand’s triangular political equilibrium rests on many things, and one of the most important foundations can be the most unpredictable. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325381-thaksin’s-most-complicated-mission-ever/

Thailand’s triangular political equilibrium rests on many things, and one of the most important foundations can be the most unpredictable. Thaksin Shinawatra, wielding one of the country’s biggest political influences according to an opinion poll, spawns theories. The first is what “appears” to be publicly but is gaining skepticism left and right. In the first theory, he is sincere about stepping away from politics, about giving political advice to the Pheu Thai-led government from time to time, about helping the Shinawatra grownups maintain relevance in Thai politics as long as that does not impact his devotion to the Shinawatra toddlers. The second theory is that he unexpectedly has to be substantially more politically active than he wanted to, because of the threats posed by the Move Forward Party to Pheu Thai’s status quo. In other words, Pheu Thai is no longer the leader in the ideological half it once dominated, and Thaksin has to fix it. This means a lot more than giving occasional advice or helping the government promote the digital wallet. Pheu Thai needs a reboot, and so far Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra do not look like they were built for the job. To win back the party’s popularity, Thaksin cannot act like the man Chuan Leekpai is to the Democrat Party. Simply put, while Chuan is no longer the Democrats’ flagship, Thaksin has to be the real face of Pheu Thai. Yet in this second theory, it’s not that Thaksin is cunning or trickery. It’s because the brand needs him or it will die, quickly or slowly. Caption: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra / AFP Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Palang Pracharath to host joint meeting of governing coalition parties The Palang Pracharath party will play host for a joint meeting of coalition parties this month, but the event has nothing to do with a cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told the media today. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325380-palang-pracharath-to-host-joint-meeting-of-governing-coalition-parties/

The Palang Pracharath party will play host for a joint meeting of coalition parties this month, but the event has nothing to do with a cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told the media today. The first meeting of coalition parties was hosted by the Pheu Thai party, with the second hosted by the Bhumjaithai party. Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan, the advisory chief of Palang Pracharath party, is yet to set the date for the next gathering, said the prime minister, as he dismissed media speculation that a cabinet reshuffle would be discussed. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe