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A motorbike taxi driver in Phuket Town is currently on the run after allegedly stabbing a colleague during a heated argument. The violent dispute occurred yesterday, April 22, at the fresh market on Ranong Road. The victim, a 65 year old known as “Thiwa Lo Phuket,” was discovered by officers from the Phuket City Police Station, still seated on his motorbike. He had sustained stabbing injuries to his abdomen and chest, prompting immediate medical attention. He was hastily transported to the Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment. The suspect, identified as Jumpol Panthong, also aged 65, is a fellow motorbike taxi driver. It is reported that the altercation began over a disagreement concerning a passenger. The verbal spat quickly escalated, leading to Jumpol allegedly brandishing a knife and stabbing Thiwa before promptly fleeing the scene. Phuket City Police are currently utilising CCTV footage from the area in a bid to track down the assailant. The police force has confirmed that efforts to locate and apprehend Jumpol Panthong for the stabbing incident are ongoing, reported Phuket News. In related news, a splash spat between a Thai Win motorbike taxi driver and an Indian tourist during Pattaya’s Songkran festivity ignited when the foreigner got drenched. The kerfuffle arose when the Win driver’s playful seven year old son soaked the tourist, triggering a heated altercation. The entire event took place on Pattaya Second Road towards Khao Phra Tamnak around 7pm on April 18. The escalating tension was caught on camera, showing the Thai driver pursuing and confronting the Indian tourist amidst the Songkran festivities. The video further illustrated the driver attempting to hit the tourist. However, the situation was defused as onlookers stepped in and separated the two parties. This incident quickly gained traction on social media, drawing mainly criticism towards the motorbike taxi driver. The majority of the netizens expressed their disappointment over the driver’s conduct, which they believed tarnished the reputation of Pattaya by intimidating the visitor. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Phuket City Police Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hua Hin car wash owner given water bill for almost 40,000 THB By Online Reporter The Hua Hin Municipal Authority has launched an investigation after Phudis Arunoros, the owner of Moly Car Care, received an extraordinarily high water bill amounting to 38,624.70 baht for March, a figure nearly 80 times his usual monthly expense. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325601-hua-hin-car-wash-owner-given-water-bill-for-almost-40000-thb/

The Hua Hin Municipal Authority has launched an investigation after Phudis Arunoros, the owner of Moly Car Care, received an extraordinarily high water bill amounting to 38,624.70 baht for March, a figure nearly 80 times his usual monthly expense. On April 19, Arunoros took to the business’s Facebook page, Moly Car Care @Hua-Hin, to express his disbelief by posting an image of the bill issued by the Hua Hin Municipal Authority, accompanied by a bewildered comment, “What is this… the water doesn’t even flow, where does this come from, 38,624.70 baht? I almost spend 10,000 baht on water myself.” Arunoros, who has been operating his car care shop for 17 years, noted that the typical water cost for his business hovers around 500 baht per month, with additional water purchases from private tankers, bringing his total monthly expenditure to approximately 2,000-3,000 baht. However, due to the known water shortages in Hua Hin from March to April, his facility received little to no municipal water supply, forcing him to spend close to 10,000 baht on water from private sources. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Appeal for humanitarian aid for Burmese sheltering in Thailand Thousands crossed the Moei River to Thailand amid junta airstrikes around the border town of Myawaddy. / Photo by the Irrawaddy The anti-Myanmar junta National Unity Government (NUG) has appealed to all organisations and authorities to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar fleeing the civil war in their country, to seek temporary refuge in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325598-appeal-for-humanitarian-aid-for-burmese-sheltering-in-thailand/

Thousands crossed the Moei River to Thailand amid junta airstrikes around the border town of Myawaddy. / Photo by the Irrawaddy The anti-Myanmar junta National Unity Government (NUG) has appealed to all organisations and authorities to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar fleeing the civil war in their country, to seek temporary refuge in Thailand. A statement, issued by the Foreign Ministry of the resistance forces yesterday, said that the NUG, its ethnic allies and affiliated groups will cooperate with the Thai government and other related organisations in providing assistance to the displaced people from Myanmar. The statement accused the Myanmar military of various forms of attacks, including artillery bombardments and air strikes on public buildings and the properties of civilians in and around Myawaddy township, driving thousands of civilians across the border into Thailand’s Mae Sot district of Tak province and surrounding areas. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Pattaya’s post-Songkran clean-up disposes 20 tonnes of trash by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Steve Pattaya witnessed a massive clean-up operation after the Wan Lai Day festivities, a grand culmination of the Songkran celebrations, left behind a staggering 20 tonnes of garbage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325587-20-tons-of-garbage-left-behind-after-wan-lai-in-pattaya/?do=findComment&comment=18860974

Pattaya’s post-Songkran clean-up disposes 20 tonnes of trash by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Steve Pattaya witnessed a massive clean-up operation after the Wan Lai Day festivities, a grand culmination of the Songkran celebrations, left behind a staggering 20 tonnes of garbage. Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai took to the city’s streets on the morning of April 20 to personally inspect the aftermath and to extend support to the Pattaya City Environment Office workers tasked with the monumental job of cleaning up Beach Road and its surrounding areas. The Wan Lai Day, which was held the previous Friday, saw an array of celebrations marking the end of Songkran. The merry-making, however, resulted in a heap of waste, primarily around the Beach Road area. Deputy Mayor Manoch, during his visit, noted the extent of waste scattered across the road, which included coloured powder, despite the city’s technical ban on it, discarded glass bottles, water guns, cardboard boxes, water buckets and powder cans. In a heartening note, Manoch was all praise for the city’s waste management workers, calling them “true heroes.” His admiration for their dedication was evident as he watched them tirelessly work towards maintaining the cleanliness of Pattaya Beach. The clean-up operation was initiated as early as 4am, with four water trucks pressed into service. The trucks were deployed to collect the garbage and wash down the streets and the vicinity. Manoch informed that the workers completed the task much before dawn, thereby adhering to the city’s policy of Clean Before Sunrise. The enormity of the task and the swift response by the waste management workers underscore the city’s commitment to cleanliness, even in the wake of grand celebrations that are an integral part of Pattaya’s cultural fabric, said Manoch. “Beach Road was covered in coloured powder, trash, glass bottles, cardboard boxes, water guns, water buckets, and powder cans after the fun-filled celebrations. The clean-up operation began at 4am with four water trucks deployed to collect garbage and wash down the streets and surrounding areas.” Despite the massive clean-up operation required post-Wan Lai Day, the dedication of the Pattaya City Environment Office workers and their adherence to the city’s cleanliness policy stands as a testament to Pattaya’s commitment to cleanliness and environmental sustainability. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New tiger discovered at Kaeng Krachan National Park near Hua Hin By Online Reporter Image: กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช Kaeng Krachan National Park has reported the discovery of a new Indochinese tiger, indicating a hopeful increase in the population due to successful conservation efforts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325596-new-tiger-discovered-at-kaeng-krachan-national-park-near-hua-hin/

Kaeng Krachan National Park has reported the discovery of a new Indochinese tiger, indicating a hopeful increase in the population due to successful conservation efforts. The tiger, identified as “KKT-006M,” was first recorded in the upstream area of the Phetchaburi River. The exciting find was part of a larger wildlife monitoring operation conducted from April 4-7, as disclosed by Mr. Mongkol Chaiyaphakdee, the head of Kaeng Krachan National Park. This operation, in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand, involved setting up camera traps and tracking wildlife movements in the region. During this period, the cameras captured images and videos of two previously known Indochinese tigers, “KKT-002M” and “KKT-004.” However, a closer inspection of stripe patterns in photos taken on March 24, March 31, and April 1 revealed a previously unrecorded male tiger. The images, which depict the tiger actively playing in the water at the Sub Chum Hed area of the park, confirm the presence of a new tiger, now cataloged as “KKT-006M.” By Online Reporter Image: กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Psychiatric patient’s actions lead to fatal crash during transfer by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Mahanakhon Khon Kaen A police officer lost his life while transferring a psychiatric patient to a hospital in the Isaan province of Loei after the patient grabbed the steering wheel of the vehicle causing it to crash. Three other police officers sustained injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325585-police-truck-flips-over-mentally-ill-detainee-grabbed-steering-wheel-one-person-dead/?do=findComment&comment=18860929

Psychiatric patient’s actions lead to fatal crash during transfer by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Mahanakhon Khon Kaen A police officer lost his life while transferring a psychiatric patient to a hospital in the Isaan province of Loei after the patient grabbed the steering wheel of the vehicle causing it to crash. Three other police officers sustained injuries. A motorist witnessed a police car overturned on the side of Ban Nongtana Road in the Pha Khao district of Loei province and reported the accident at Pha Khao Police Station. All of the injured victims managed to exit the damaged vehicle safely, except for one officer who remained trapped and, tragically, did not survive. The deceased was identified as Police Captain Waeha Chaising. According to the surviving police officers, the mother of a psychiatric patient sought police intervention when her son became uncontrollable around 12.30pm yesterday, April 21. Subsequently, four police officers responded by attending to the home of the psychiatric patient in the Nong Hin district of Loei to address the situation. After effectively calming the patient, the officers proceeded to escort him to the hospital for additional treatment. They allowed the mentally ill individual to sit inside the police pickup without restraints, with his mother accompanying him. Despite efforts to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, the situation took a tragic turn when the patient unexpectedly seized control of the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn. Waeha, sitting next to the driver, was seriously injured and unable to get out of the car leading to his death. Waeha was about to retire on September 30 of this year after serving in the crime suppression department of the Pha Khao Police Station. He intended to transition to standby duty within the police station rather than working outdoors following the conclusion of the Songkran Festival, in anticipation of his retirement. Waeha’s family members, friends, and colleagues expressed their condolences on social media platforms. Many Thai netizens expressed concerns about the safety protocols for officers handling mentally ill patients, while others raised questions about drug issues in Thailand, speculating about the patient’s potential history of drug use. Source:: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mekong River facing dam construction crisis The Mekong River is facing a crisis and is gradually deteriorating due to the impacts of climate change and the construction of dams, which severely affect the river’s ecosystem. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325594-mekong-river-facing-dam-construction-crisis/

The Mekong River is facing a crisis and is gradually deteriorating due to the impacts of climate change and the construction of dams, which severely affect the river’s ecosystem. Thai PBS World interviewed Brian Eyler, an expert on transboundary issues in the Mekong region who specialises in China’s economic cooperation with Southeast Asia, to discuss the effects of dams on the Mekong River’s flow and suggest potential solutions to save this mighty river. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Motorbike taxi driver splash spat with tourist sparks row by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News A splash spat between a Thai Win motorbike taxi driver and an Indian tourist during Pattaya’s Songkran festivity ignited when the foreigner got drenched. The kerfuffle arose when the Win driver’s playful seven year old son soaked the tourist, triggering a heated altercation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325560-songkran-splashing-sparks-fight-between-pattaya-win-driver-and-indian-tourist/?do=findComment&comment=18860878

Motorbike taxi driver splash spat with tourist sparks row by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News A splash spat between a Thai Win motorbike taxi driver and an Indian tourist during Pattaya’s Songkran festivity ignited when the foreigner got drenched. The kerfuffle arose when the Win driver’s playful seven year old son soaked the tourist, triggering a heated altercation. The entire event took place on Pattaya Second Road towards Khao Phra Tamnak around 7pm on April 18. The escalating tension was caught on camera, showing the Thai driver pursuing and confronting the Indian tourist amidst the Songkran festivities. The video further illustrated the driver attempting to hit the tourist. However, the situation was defused as onlookers stepped in and separated the two parties. This incident quickly gained traction on social media, drawing mainly criticism towards the motorbike taxi driver. The majority of the netizens expressed their disappointment over the driver’s conduct, which they believed tarnished the reputation of Pattaya by intimidating the visitor. The Win driver, identified only as Boom, later spoke with local media to explain his side of the story. The 34 year old claimed that his actions were not an attack on the tourist but rather a defensive move to safeguard his son. Boom clarified that his son was innocently playing with water nearby when he accidentally splashed water on the passerby tourist. This unintentional act infuriated the tourist, who allegedly tried to grab his son’s arm. This behaviour provoked Boom, leading to the chase and confrontation captured in the one-minute video clip. While Boom expressed remorse over the incident, he stood firm on his stance of not apologising for protecting his child. He also mentioned that the tourist seemingly failed to comprehend that water splashing is a significant part of the Songkran tradition. As of now, the Indian tourist has not filed an official complaint regarding the incident. However, the Pattaya police have acknowledged the matter and are presently conducting further investigations, reported Pattaya News. “It was not an attack, I was just protecting my son.” The incident has stirred a social media storm, with most users condemning the driver’s actions. “This is not the way to treat visitors. It’s a shame for Pattaya.” Though the incident has cast a shadow over the Songkran festivities, it serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of embracing and honouring local customs when journeying abroad. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Scorching heat sparks storm warning across 26 Thai provinces by Nattapong Westwood The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning of thunderstorms across 26 provinces, accompanied by strong gusts in some areas. Amidst scorching heat, temperatures are expected to soar as high as 41 degrees Celsius today, April 22. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325593-scorching-heat-sparks-storm-warning-across-26-thai-provinces/

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning of thunderstorms across 26 provinces, accompanied by strong gusts in some areas. Amidst scorching heat, temperatures are expected to soar as high as 41 degrees Celsius today, April 22. A low-pressure system caused by intense heat covering the upper part of Thailand is contributing to the generally hot to very hot weather conditions, with isolated thundershowers expected during the day. Residents are advised to take care of their health due to the extreme heat by avoiding outdoor activities for prolonged periods. While southwesterly and southerly winds prevail over upper Thailand, this pattern leads to thunderstorms and possibly strong winds in some areas. The public in these regions should remain vigilant against the dangers posed by the storms and gusts during this period. For the Andaman Sea and the lower south, westerly and northwesterly winds are combining with easterly and southeasterly winds over the lower Gulf of Thailand, leading to increased rainfall in the lower southern region, including heavy rain in some places. In the Andaman Sea, the sea conditions are expected to be rough with waves reaching about 1 metre in height and exceeding 1 metre in stormy areas. Mariners are cautioned to navigate carefully and avoid sailing in storm-affected zones. During this period, the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions are experiencing moderate to high levels of dust and haze accumulation due to weak winds and poor air circulation. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today until 6am tomorrow indicates hot to very hot conditions across the northern region, with isolated thundershowers expected, affecting about 10% of the area, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Tak provinces. The lowest temperatures are predicted to be between 23-29 degrees Celsius, while the highest could range from 38-43 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds are expected to blow at speeds of 5-15 kilometres per hour. Thunderstorms forecasted Similar conditions are expected in the northeastern region, with thunderstorms forecasted for about 10% of the area, especially in Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures are likely to vary between 24-28 degrees Celsius for the lows and 39-41 degrees Celsius for the highs, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 5-15 kilometres per hour. The central region will also experience generally hot to very hot weather, with isolated thunderstorms in about 10% of the area, mainly in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Uthai Thani. The temperature range is expected to be 26-30 degrees Celsius for the low and 39-42 degrees Celsius for the high, with southwesterly winds at 10-20 kilometres per hour. In the eastern region, the weather is generally hot, with very hot conditions in some areas and thunderstorms affecting about 20% of the region, particularly in Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures are expected to be 26-30 degrees Celsius for the low and 35-41 degrees Celsius for the high, with southerly winds at speeds of 10-30 kilometres per hour and waves in the sea less than one metre high, rising above one metre in stormy conditions. The southern region (east coast) is forecasted to be hot during the day, with very hot weather in some places and thunderstorms affecting about 20% of the area, mainly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. The temperatures are likely to range from 24-28 degrees Celsius for the low and 35-40 degrees Celsius for the high, with westerly winds at speeds of 10-30 kilometres per hour and sea waves below 1 metre, increasing above 1 metre during storms. The southern region (west coast) will also experience hot weather during the day, with thunderstorms expected in about 30% of the area and heavy rain in some places, especially in Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The temperature is predicted to be 26-27 degrees Celsius for the low and 35-38 degrees Celsius for the high, with northwesterly winds at speeds of 15-30 kilometres per hour and sea waves around one metre high, rising above 1 metre in stormy conditions. For Bangkok and its vicinity, the conditions are expected to be hot to very hot during the day, with isolated thundershowers. The lowest temperatures could be 29-30 degrees Celsius, and the highest could range from 37-41 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour. The weather today continues to pose challenges with the warning of thunderstorms in 26 provinces, strong winds in some areas, and a persistently hot climate with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius. by Nattapong Westwood Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Military Defence reforms raise concerns among military brass by Bob Scott Picture of Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang courtesy of Thai PBS Proposed reforms to the administrative laws governing the Defence Ministry and amendments to the Military Court charter have raised concerns among senior military officials, as they apprehend potential political meddling in military matters, disclosed a trustworthy military insider. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325547-legislation-prepared-for-pm-to-suspend-commanders-suspected-of-hatching-coups/?do=findComment&comment=18860816

Military Defence reforms raise concerns among military brass by Bob Scott Picture of Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang courtesy of Thai PBS Proposed reforms to the administrative laws governing the Defence Ministry and amendments to the Military Court charter have raised concerns among senior military officials, as they apprehend potential political meddling in military matters, disclosed a trustworthy military insider. The proposed amendments, acknowledged at a Defence Ministry meeting last week, include new criteria for promoting generals and the power for the prime minister to suspend high-ranking officers suspected of orchestrating a military coup. The proposal also includes the addition of two members to the currently three-member council. However, the military source indicated that the armed forces remain uninformed about the specifics of the proposal, which was advocated for adoption by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang at the council meeting on April 19, said a source. “A working group has been established by Mr Sutin to draft amendments to the two laws, chaired by Gen Somsak Rungsita. However, no details of the proposal were divulged at the meeting.” The military source also suggested that the two additional council members would likely be government representatives. Uncertainty shrouds the potential impact of the proposed changes on the composition of the Seven-Tiger Board, responsible for overseeing high-level military reshuffles. The board traditionally consists of seven members: the defence permanent secretary, the chief of defence forces, the commanders-in-chief of the army, air force and navy, the defence minister, and a deputy defence minister, if one is in place. The board’s composition decreases to six members if a deputy defence minister is not appointed by the government, added the source. “At this stage, it’s uncertain whether the board will maintain its current composition.” The introduction of more government representatives to the board could diminish the bargaining power of the military leaders over military reshuffles. Under the existing system, armed forces leaders, with a majority of five votes, have significant influence over crucial promotions, including the commander-in-chief positions, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Polish man falls to his death from 62-metre cell tower in Surat Thani by Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV A Polish man jumped to his death from a 62-metre cell tower in the southern province of Surat Thani on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325590-polish-man-falls-to-his-death-from-62-metre-cell-tower-in-surat-thani/

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by Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV A Polish man jumped to his death from a 62-metre cell tower in the southern province of Surat Thani on Friday. Chaiya Police Station officers were notified that a foreign man climbed to the top of a mobile phone tower in the Chaiya district of Surat Thani on Friday, April 19. When they arrived, they found a crowd of people gathered and the authorities from a nearby district office came to persuade the man to climb down. Residents in the vicinity alerted the police to the presence of a foreign man exhibiting aggressive behaviour whilst wielding a wooden stick along the road. Subsequently, he trespassed onto residents’ properties, causing damage, before ascending the tower. Prior to the police’s arrival, a rescue team tried for over 30 minutes to persuade the man to come down but had no success. The individual was later observed atop the tower, devoid of a shirt, unmoved and unresponsive to both authorities and locals attempting to engage him in conversation. In an attempt to establish communication, an English language teacher was summoned to the scene but the man remained unresponsive. After sitting at the top of the tower motionless for over two hours, the man suddenly jumped. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was later identified as a 49 year old Polish national. The motive behind his decision to commit suicide has not yet been determined. Officers stated that they would contact his family to deliver the tragic news. A similar incident was reported earlier this month when a Thai woman climbed a cell tower in Pattaya due to stress over financial problems. Fortunately, a rescue team was able to persuade the woman to return to the ground. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Over 5 million senior Thais still working without formal education by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Eco-Business The National Statistical Office (NSO) reveals that over 5 million senior Thais, with the majority lacking formal education, continue to work to sustain their livelihoods. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325589-over-5-million-senior-thais-still-working-without-formal-education/

The National Statistical Office (NSO) reveals that over 5 million senior Thais, with the majority lacking formal education, continue to work to sustain their livelihoods. This demographic represents approximately 19.5% of the nation’s 66 million population, or 13.64 million individuals aged 60 and above, according to the NSO’s annual survey conducted in July and August of the previous year. Suwannee Wangkan, the NSO deputy director, disclosed that the number of seniors needing to work — approximately 37.5% of the over-60s population — showed a rise from 4.74 million in 2022 to the current 5.11 million. Men accounted for 48.1% of this workforce, while women comprised 29.4%. The elderly population predominantly resides in the northeastern, northern, and southern regions of Thailand. In Bangkok alone, nearly a quarter of the senior population is employed. Additionally, the NSO observed an uptick in the number of elderly individuals living and working in solitude. Of the 5.11 million seniors who are employed, a staggering 68.1% either never attended school or only completed elementary school. A further 15.6% didn’t finish primary school, 11.3% never completed secondary school, and 5% did not graduate from university. The labour distribution among the senior population shows that 59.3% are employed in the agriculture and fishing industries, 30.5% in the service sector, and the remaining 10.2% in manufacturing. The average monthly income for a senior worker stands at 12,151 baht, with those in agriculture earning an average of 5,796 baht. The NSO also uncovered a significant proportion of elderly workers in informal jobs lacking access to social security benefits. A worrying 86.8% face job instability. The NSO has recommended state agencies, including the labour ministry, devise strategies to support the growing senior workforce, ensuring better welfare such as fair pay and employment opportunities. In the NSO’s 2023 Household Economic and Social Situation Survey, nationwide households were found to earn an average monthly income of 29,030 baht. Of this income, 70.5% is derived from daily wages, salaries, business profits, and farm produce, while 14.5% is sourced from non-monetary avenues. The average monthly expenditure per household is 23,695 baht, with the top three expenditure categories being food and water (35.3%), housing and rent payments (21.9%), and travel-related costs including vehicle payments (16%). Households carry an average total debt of 197,255 baht, with 77.7% tied to housing expenses such as home or land purchase or rental, consumption payments, and education debt. The remaining 22.3% of the debt is related to investments and other reasons, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Eco-Business Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Man Assaulted by Drunk Group During Wanlai, 9-Year-Old Nephew Kicked in the Face By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Khaosod Pattaya —A Thai man in Pattaya was assaulted by a group of intoxicated men while riding his motorbike with his two nephews (aged 9 and 4) and mother on April 19th, 2024. The incident occurred during the recent Wanlai Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325588-pattaya-man-assaulted-by-drunk-group-during-wanlai-9-year-old-nephew-kicked-in-the-face/