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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 19 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325335-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-19-april-2024/

The deputy national chief of police surachate harkpan and four others have been suspended after being accused of involvement with money laundering and an online gambling network, The suspensions follow a meeting yesterday between the head of police and the prime minister. a new committee was established to investigate the five suspects, all have the right to appeal. The department for Digital Economy says it’s planning to return more than 10 billion bahts worth of money and assets seized from call centre scam gangs to their victims. The Anti-Money Laundering Office known as Amlo said it was having a clear out and would distribute more than 6 billion baht cash, seized since 2021 to scam victims. The Move Forward Party has proposed a bill in order to punish ministers and officials who fail to testify after being summoned. The bill purposes that MPs who fail to show up would face investigation while government officials would be subject to disciplinary action. The draft law is meant to allow the House committees to conduct their work more effectively. The government yesterday approved 1.8 billion baht in financial assistance to the Lao government, to maintain and improve a major highway which will shorten the journey time from Nakhon Phanom in Thailand, through Laos, to the border with Vietnam. The funds will also be used to upgrade cargo terminals, storage facilities, road lighting and public utilities. Two English media companies The Tiger and Asean Now have merged, i asked George Anderssen from Asean Now to explain Around the region Indonesia: almost 12,000 civil servants will move to Nu-santara in September, marking the first phase of inhabiting the country's new capital in East Kali-man-tan. The government will cover the cost of flights. In addition, each civil servant is expected to receive one apartment unit in the new capital.. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny 37 C Bangkok: Sunny 38C Pattaya: sunny, 35C Phuket and the south: Sunny, partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny, light cloud this afternoon 35C AQI Orange High Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-19 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pheu Thai Looks To Take Back House Speaker Seat By Thai Newsroom Reporters House Speaker Wan Muhamad Nor Matha. Photo: Thai Rath THE PHEU THAI PLANS TO quietly press the Prachachart to return the post of House Speaker to the largest ruling party soon after the first round of cabinet reshuffle has been done, a partisan source said today (Apr 18). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325328-pheu-thai-looks-to-take-back-house-speaker-seat/

THE PHEU THAI PLANS TO quietly press the Prachachart to return the post of House Speaker to the largest ruling party soon after the first round of cabinet reshuffle has been done, a partisan source said today (Apr 18). Given the fact that the Pheu Thai remains as core of the current coalition government with 141 MPs on their side, the Prachachart with only nine MPs led by Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong is sooner than later bound to return the highest seat in the legislative branch to the Pheu Thai, according to the partisan source who only spoke on condition of anonymity. The Prachachart-attached House Speaker Wan Muhamad Nor Matha was not available to comment while Tawee denied he had been pressed by the ruling Pheu Thai, albeit in behind-the-scenes fashion, over that matter. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: House Speaker Wan Muhamad Nor Matha. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Truck brake failure leads to fatal crash in Chiang Mai by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 2.45pm in the Hod district of Chiang Mai when a six-wheeled truck’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to crash into a procession of revellers. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries to two others. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325327-truck-brake-failure-leads-to-fatal-crash-in-chiang-mai/

A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 2.45pm in the Hod district of Chiang Mai when a six-wheeled truck’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to crash into a procession of revellers. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries to two others. The procession was part of a traditional ceremony in which participants were enjoying themselves in a parade, carrying a revered Pho tree up the mountain, a ritual known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. Unexpectedly, the brake failure led to the truck ploughing through the crowd in Ban Bo Luang village, striking the unsuspecting participants. The police chief of Bo Luang Police Station, Anuphap Chaisiri, was alerted to the mass casualty event by the local health centre in Ban Bo Luang. The initial assessment of the victims identified two in critical condition, classified as red patients, one with less severe injuries, a yellow patient, and one with minor injuries, a green patient. All four injured individuals were promptly transported to Hod Hospital for emergency care. Despite the efforts to save them, two of the victims succumbed to their injuries following their arrival at the hospital. The remaining injured are currently receiving medical treatment, and their conditions have yet to be updated. The Thai authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine the exact cause and to establish whether any measures could have been taken to prevent this tragedy, reported KhaoSod. The truck driver’s responsibility and the mechanical state of the vehicle are central to the ongoing inquiry. In related news, a 26 year old Thai woman crashed her pickup into a traffic police officer on Highway No. 21 in the central province of Lop Buri on April 16, causing serious injuries to the officer. The accident occurred at Ban Deelang Intersection on Highway No. 21, also known as Saraburi-Lomsak Road, in the Pattana Nikhom district of Lop Buri province. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Major creditors to rescue distressed Italian-Thai Development by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of ITD Italian-Thai Development (ITD) Plc, currently facing financial distress, is set to receive an infusion of funds from its major creditors. The provision of fresh capital is aimed at bolstering the company’s operations without necessitating any rehabilitation plan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325326-major-creditors-to-rescue-distressed-italian-thai-development/

Italian-Thai Development (ITD) Plc, currently facing financial distress, is set to receive an infusion of funds from its major creditors. The provision of fresh capital is aimed at bolstering the company’s operations without necessitating any rehabilitation plan. Bangkok Bank (BBL) President Chartsiri Sophonpanich, who is also a key ITD creditor, underlined the strong long-term business prospects of ITD, despite the company currently grappling with liquidity issues. Chartsiri confirmed that BBL, along with other significant creditors, is ready to offer financial support to ITD. “BBL is committed to assisting the customer by providing supplementary liquidity, working capital and facilitating debt restructuring. In addition, every major creditor has assisted ITD with its debt restructuring efforts, so ITD does not need to prepare any rehabilitation plans.” BBL, recognised as the country’s largest lender by total assets and a primary creditor to ITD, chose not to reveal the exact sum of loans it has extended to the beleaguered contractor. The bank also did not disclose the identity of the largest lender among all the primary creditors. Apart from BBL, other major creditors of ITD include Kasikornbank, Krungthai Bank, and Siam Commercial Bank. Last week, ITD communicated to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that it has been in discussions with primary creditors to secure financial backing for both short-term and long-term needs to resolve its liquidity challenges. It has received partial support so far and expects to finalise loan agreements to ensure the continuity of its operations. Company debt Additionally, ITD’s creditors have initially agreed to waive the company’s debt-to-equity ratio requirements, after the company failed to uphold the financial ratio condition. However, ITD is implementing modifications to its operational and control systems with an objective to cut costs and improve performance. This step is crucial to ensure the company’s ability to compete effectively and generate profits from its operations. Referring to the Dawei Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) full-phase investment project in Myanmar, ITD reaffirmed to all stakeholders, as per its statement to the SET, that its rights to reimbursement for previous investments remain protected under the Tripartite Memorandum. On the situation in Myanmar, Chartsiri noted that the operations at BBL’s Yangon branch are functioning normally despite the ongoing civil unrest, with contingency plans ready to ensure service continuity. Catering exclusively to corporate clients, BBL’s Yangon branch serves local, Thai, and international companies. Chartsiri added that large Thai corporate entities continue to exhibit a positive trend in regional business expansion, aligning with the growth potential of ASEAN, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of ITD Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Man Dies, His Wife Slightly Injured, in Motorbike Crash in Karon, Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Karon –An intoxicated Russian rider was pronounced dead at the scene while his Russian passenger, his wife, sustained injuries after a motorbike crash in Karon on Wednesday morning (April 17th) which marked the first death of the Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325325-russian-man-dies-his-wife-slightly-injured-in-motorbike-crash-in-karon-phuket/

Karon –An intoxicated Russian rider was pronounced dead at the scene while his Russian passenger, his wife, sustained injuries after a motorbike crash in Karon on Wednesday morning (April 17th) which marked the first death of the Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign. The Karon Police told the Phuket Express that they were notified of the accident 6:00 A.M. at a curve on the Patak Road in Karon. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the motorbike in a ditch off the road. The rider was later identified by police as Mr. PAVEL URIADOVA, 40, a Russian national, who was found dead nearby. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

One-Way Traffic Takes Toll on Tourism at Jomtien Beach By Aim Tanakorn Jomtien, Chonburi — Jomtien Beach in Chonburi saw fewer tourists than expected during the recent Songkran holiday. Most businesses blame the ongoing one-way traffic system, which confuses visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325324-one-way-traffic-takes-toll-on-tourism-at-jomtien-beach/

Jomtien, Chonburi — Jomtien Beach in Chonburi saw fewer tourists than expected during the recent Songkran holiday. Most businesses blame the ongoing one-way traffic system, which confuses visitors. Beachside vendor Mrs. Poolsawat Singhsawasdi, 55, complained to local media that tourist numbers between April 12nd-16th were relatively normal, without the usual large crowds witnessed during the normal Songkran holiday. Mrs. Poolsawat believed that the decline might be due to Pattaya’s recent traffic changes, including the implementation of one-way system at Pattaya Beach Road. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Suspect identified in Thai woman’s London murder, killer on the run by Petch Petpailin Photo via MET POLICE Local police announced they have successfully identified the suspect in the murder of a 27 year old Thai woman in London but added that the killer may have fled abroad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325321-thailand-scraps-visa-requirements-for-kazakhstan-tourists/

Local police announced they have successfully identified the suspect in the murder of a 27 year old Thai woman in London but added that the killer may have fled abroad. The dead body of 27 year old Thai woman Kamonnan “Angela” Thiamphanit was found at her luxury mansion on Stanhope Place, on Bayswater Road, near Hyde Park on April 8. She reportedly bore multiple stab wounds all over her body. A neighbour told local media that she heard a high-pitched scream before Kamonnan’s body was discovered. However, she did not go out to investigate because she did not think she could help. Kamonnan worked in real estate but further details about her career were not disclosed. She rented the mansion through Airbnb but there was no report of whether she lived there alone or with others. Local police believe Kamonnan was acquainted with the murderer because no signs of theft or forced entry were visible at the scene. Moreover, the front door of Kamonnan’s mention was equipped with a camera allowing her to screen the visitors, revealed Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell. “We believe that the person who attacked her was known to her. This isn’t a stranger attack but at some point after April 6 at 6.15am she was attacked in the address and sustained several stab injuries.” The Daily Mail reported on April 16 that police already had the name of the main suspect in Kamonnan’s case but officers believe the person has fled England. Foxwell added that she did not think it would be possible to arrest the suspect within the next two weeks. She added that she would consult with the Crown Prosecution Service about whether or not they had enough evidence to extradite the suspect from outside the UK. According to the Daily Mail, Foxwell and the relevant authorities planned to return Kamonnan’s body to her family in Thailand for a funeral ceremony. ORIGINAL STORY: Delayed police response to Thai woman’s brutal murder in London The brutal stabbing murder of a 27 year old Thai woman, in her residence in Westminster, London, has stirred up public fire against the local police over their delayed response to distress calls from her friends. The unfortunate incident unfolded in a home located on Stanhope Place, near Hyde Park, valued at around US$4 million. The victim Kamonnan Angela Thiamphanit’s lifeless body was discovered on Monday morning. Her neighbours reported hearing screams prior to the gruesome discovery, according to British media. The search for the culprit is still ongoing. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed last night that the deceased was indeed a Thai national who had been stabbed. The ministry further revealed that the Thai embassy in London had reached out to the victim’s family and was working closely with the police on the case. As reported by the Daily Mail, law enforcement authorities were alerted by a worried friend of Kamonnan on Sunday evening. Despite this, they failed to arrive at the scene until 13 hours later. The Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving two calls from the same individual at 7.05pm and 9.34pm respectively, as reported by the BBC. Multiple wounds The police force revealed in a statement that the woman was initially graded as a medium-risk missing person prior to the discovery of her body. Officers visited the property on Stanhope Place at 8.30am on Monday. They were confronted with the grim sight of a woman who had suffered multiple stab wounds upon forcibly entering the premises. An autopsy report revealed sharp force trauma as the cause of death. Before Kamonnan’s body was found, neighbours reported hearing two high-pitched screams, followed by an eerie silence. Given the lack of forced entry and the presence of a video entry system at the front door, it is speculated that Kamonnan might have been acquainted with her attacker. The Metropolitan Police has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the criticism received for their handling of the investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Adam Clifton made a public appeal for information. “I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist us, no matter how insignificant you think that may be, to come forward and speak to us. Kamonnan’s family and friends have been devastated by this murder and we must ensure whoever is responsible is held to account.” Neighbours revealed that Kamonnan lived in the £4-million (182 million baht) property situated in the posh neighbourhood of the City of Westminster, just a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park. The property, which served as the Ethiopian Embassy until four years ago, has since been converted into several Airbnb units. Kamonnan’s specific rental spaces within the property remain unknown. The three-storey, five-bedroom terraced home originating from the 1820s is rented, according to a local hotel owner, who was oblivious to the identity of the tenant, reported Bangkok Post. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MET POLICE Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Xinhua The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325321-thailand-scraps-visa-requirements-for-kazakhstan-tourists/