webfact

The Thai government has plans to set in motion the One Family One Soft Power (OFOS) project in June, hoping to generate 20 million employment opportunities with a minimum yearly wage of 200,000 baht according to Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Head of the National Committee on Soft Power Development and leader of the Pheu Thai Party. Paetongtarn shed light on the forthcoming OFOS, disclosing that the scheme will offer free-of-charge up-skilling and re-skilling courses. Citizens can register for these courses beginning in early June via an online platform like an application or website, as well as through local offices of the National Village Fund and the Urban Community Office. The courses are projected to accommodate 266,400 online attendees and 30,210 onsite attendees. The curriculum will focus on occupational skills in specific industries such as food, film and drama, music, sports, fashion, festivals, books, video games, tourism, and art. In addition, Paetongtarn revealed that the One Village One Thai Food Chef culinary course, one of the project’s initiatives, has been realised. The course was curated by renowned Thai chef and chairman of the Food Industry Steering Committee of the National Committee on Soft Power Development, Chumpol Jangprai, and his team. The Pheu Thai Party sees the soft power industry as a springboard to augment Thai income, propelling Thailand from a middle-income nation to a high-income one, Paetongtarn stated. Careers that generate soft powers, for instance, chefs, Muay Thai fighters, Muay Thai instructors, and dressmakers, will allow Thais to earn more by guaranteeing them an annual income of at least 200,000 baht (US$5,400). Furthermore, Paetongtarn noted that OFOS targets citizens seeking to enhance their skills, chosen representatives of local communities, business proprietors, and those aspiring to start a business. It is projected to create 20 million jobs for citizens. Paetongtarn expressed gratitude to all sectors for the successful Maha Songkran World Water Festival, which attracted numerous overseas visitors to Thailand, reported Bangkok Post. In response to criticism about her absence from the country during the festival due to a trip to Hong Kong, she said she had attended several opening ceremonies for the festival since April 12. She called for understanding from the public, stating that she needs to balance her work and family life. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of infoquest Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Multiple-Vehicle Collision on Thepkasattri Road in Phuket Leaves Four People Injured By Kittisak Phalaharn Phuket—At 1:10 AM, on April 21st, 2024, Thalang police officers received a multiple-vehicle collision report from locals on Thepkasattri Road, Thalang, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325563-multiple-vehicle-collision-on-thepkasattri-road-in-phuket-leaves-four-people-injured/

Phuket—At 1:10 AM, on April 21st, 2024, Thalang police officers received a multiple-vehicle collision report from locals on Thepkasattri Road, Thalang, Phuket. Thalang emergency services and police officers were dispatched to the accident scene and found a white truck and a passenger van in severe condition after having collided with a roadside street light. Nearby, an ambulance from Mission Hospital Phuket was parked on the roadside at the accident scene and had traces of a crash at the front of the vehicle. However, an unidentified patient, in the ambulance, was reportedly unharmed by the collision and was immediately transferred to Mission Hospital Phuket for a prior medical emergency. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Transgender Woman Dies After Being Hit by a Wave While Taking a Selfie in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –A transgender woman has been pronounced dead after being hit by a wave while standing on a rock and taking a selfie at Patong Beach on Friday (April 19th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325562-transgender-woman-dies-after-being-hit-by-a-wave-while-taking-a-selfie-in-patong/

Patong –A transgender woman has been pronounced dead after being hit by a wave while standing on a rock and taking a selfie at Patong Beach on Friday (April 19th). The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that at 6:10 P.M. on the day of question they were notified of the incident. Chananchida, 23, from Roi-et, was later pronounced dead by rescue teams. Chananchida’s unidentified friend told police that they were taking selfie photos on a rock. Chananchida was suddenly hit by a wave before being dragged down into the sea. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Brawl Involving 20 Men in Pattaya Leaves One Person Seriously Injured By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Matichon Pattaya —A group of nearly 20 teenagers brutally assaulted a man during Wanlai celebrations in Pattaya, leaving him with serious head injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325561-brawl-involving-20-men-in-pattaya-leaves-one-person-seriously-injured/

Pattaya —A group of nearly 20 teenagers brutally assaulted a man during Wanlai celebrations in Pattaya, leaving him with serious head injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours of April 19th, 2024, in Soi Nern Plab Wan, Pattaya. The violence was captured on video by a bystander and went viral on social media for its brutality. In the video clip, more than 20 men appear to be assaulting a man wearing a purple shirt until he fell unconscious on the ground. In their hands, they held objects resembling garbage scoops and brooms to attack the lone victim. Initially, the attackers retreated when the victim lost consciousness. However, when the victim attempted to stand up and walk away, he was struck again by the same group until he collapsed unconscious for the second time. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Matichon Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran Splashing Sparks Fight Between Pattaya Win Driver and Indian Tourist By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Siamrath Pattaya — A motorbike taxi driver, better known in Thailand as a “Win,” fought with an Indian tourist in Pattaya on Thursday of last week after the 7-year-old son of the driver splashed water at the tourist and angered him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325560-songkran-splashing-sparks-fight-between-pattaya-win-driver-and-indian-tourist/

Pattaya — A motorbike taxi driver, better known in Thailand as a “Win,” fought with an Indian tourist in Pattaya on Thursday of last week after the 7-year-old son of the driver splashed water at the tourist and angered him. The tense encounter took place on Pattaya Second Road leading to Khao Phra Tamnak around 7 PM on April 18th, 2024. The incident, captured on video, showed the Thai driver chasing and confronting the tourist of Indian descent during Songkran celebrations. The video also depicted the driver attempting to strike the tourist. Fortunately, the incident ended as bystanders intervened and separated the two parties. The disagreement then went viral on social media, with most netizens criticizing the motorbike taxi driver for damaging Pattaya’s reputation by hurting the visitor. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Siamrath Source: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese woman, rescued from cliff fall five years ago returns to thank her saviors Photo: Phataem National Park A Chinese woman, who was rescued by park officials in Ubon Ratchathani after a fall from a cliff about five years ago, returned to the park on Saturday to thank the people who saved her life. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325559-chinese-woman-rescued-from-cliff-fall-five-years-ago-returns-to-thank-her-saviors/

Photo: Phataem National Park A Chinese woman, who was rescued by park officials in Ubon Ratchathani after a fall from a cliff about five years ago, returned to the park on Saturday to thank the people who saved her life. According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Wang Nan visited the Phataem National Park office in Khong Chiam district to thank the park’s chief, Pramuan Rattanawan, and his officials for their help in saving her life. Photo: Phataem National Park Wang Nan and her husband visited the national park on June 9th, 2019. While standing at the Alexander the Great cliff viewpoint, she fell into the ravine, about 34 metres below. She had been pushed by her husband to claim her inheritance. Fortunately, however, several trees broke her fall, which would otherwise have been fatal. A rescue team from the park was rushed to her rescue and took her to the district hospital for emergency treatment. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Move Forward party leads Pheu Thai by a wide margin in new poll The Move Forward party is leading the Pheu Thai party by a wide margin in terms of popularity, especially among people aged under 20 and those aged 20-29, although the majority say they will not vote for either of the two parties in the next election, according to Super Poll. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325558-move-forward-party-leads-pheu-thai-by-a-wide-margin-in-new-poll/

The Move Forward party is leading the Pheu Thai party by a wide margin in terms of popularity, especially among people aged under 20 and those aged 20-29, although the majority say they will not vote for either of the two parties in the next election, according to Super Poll. Meanwhile, a NIDA Poll shows 39.4% of respondents reject the claim that Pheu Thai is the leader of change, while 18.85% say they don’t believe in Pheu Thai either, compared to 33,67% who believe Pheu Thai is the leader of change in Thai society. The Super Poll Research Centre gauged the opinions of 1,154 people in various professions and occupations between April 15th and 20th. The poll shows 45.1% of the male and 46.1% of the female respondents say they will not vote for either Move Forward or Pheu Thai, but will vote for the other parties. 37.3% of the females and 37% of the males say they will vote for Move Forward. 17.9% of males and 16.6% of females say they will vote for Pheu Thai. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

COVID-19 surges during Songkran festival 1,004 people were admitted for treatment of COVID-19 infections between April 14th and 20th, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director of the Department of Disease Control. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325556-covid-19-surges-during-songkran-festival/

1,004 people were admitted for treatment of COVID-19 infections between April 14th and 20th, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director of the Department of Disease Control. Of those admitted to hospitals, 292 are suffering from lung infections and 101 require ventilators to help with breathing. Three have died and all were either elderly people or had comorbidities. Dr. Thongchai said that the surge in COVID cases during the Songkran festival was not unexpected and most of the cases were found in and around Bangkok and in tourist provinces. Citing a report from the Medical Science Department, most of the cases are related to the Omicron variant and most of the patients developed flu-like symptoms, such as coughs, sore throats, headaches, muscle pains and runny noses, said Dr. Thongchai, adding that the seriousness of the disease has not increased. For safety sake, he suggested the wearing of face masks in crowded places, on public transport and in hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly. Washing hands often is also recommended, as are rapid antigen tests if flu-like symptoms develop, he added. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Dip in Pattaya hotel occupancy despite Songkran festivities by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Pattaya’s hotels and those in neighbouring provinces have seen a dip in occupancy rates during the Wan Lai Songkran festival. This downturn has prompted hoteliers to critique the promotional strategy for the extended 21-day Songkran celebration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325555-dip-in-pattaya-hotel-occupancy-despite-songkran-festivities/

Pattaya’s hotels and those in neighbouring provinces have seen a dip in occupancy rates during the Wan Lai Songkran festival. This downturn has prompted hoteliers to critique the promotional strategy for the extended 21-day Songkran celebration. Morrakot Kuldilok, head of the eastern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), projected that the occupancy rate in Pattaya would touch 70% over the weekend. This expectation is due to the Wan Lai, a late Songkran celebration, taking place in several areas from April 16 to 21, including Bang Saen, Na Kluea, and major Pattaya shopping centres. This figure marks a decrease from the over 90% occupancy experienced during the peak travel period on April 13 to 14. Morrakot also stated that hotels could anticipate a surge in last-minute bookings over the weekend. The Wan Lai festival attracts many young local and regional travellers, who often opt for budget hotels or make day trips. It’s not just Pattaya feeling the influx of visitors; even second-tier provinces like Chanthaburi are seeing tourists drawn by Wan Lai events. “Even with an economy that’s not at its strongest, domestic tourists are still setting aside a travel budget to visit Pattaya, attracted by the various activities and a range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly choices.” However, the THA chief noted that repeat guests at four-star and five-star hotels usually check out after the main Songkran events conclude. During the extended holiday period, most hotels operated at full capacity, buoyed by the improved international tourism sentiment, which led to an increase in large tour groups. Despite a high occupancy rate, Pattaya’s average daily room rate remains lower than the 2019 average. Strategy letdown Morrakot estimated that the revenue would reach 80% of the 2019 figure, primarily due to the slow recovery of flights. She criticised the government’s 21-day Songkran promotion, stating that it lacked an effective strategy and that most nationwide events were not distinctive enough to attract tourists. “Compared with Pattaya’s Fireworks Festival, which successfully drew in tourists, many Songkran events failed to entice visitors.” Boonkerd Suksrikarn, the general manager of Sunbeam Hotel in Pattaya and a former vice-president of the association, pointed out that the Wan Lai festival in Chon Buri is not well-known amongst foreigners, reported Bangkok Post. The Sunbeam Hotel manager suggested that these celebrations be amplified on a larger scale, incorporating unique storytelling and appealing cultural content to attract foreign tourists. Most attendees are locals and expatriates, he added. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Himalayan giant honey bees spotted in Chiang Mai by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Himalayan giant honey bees have been spotted in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai province, a first-time occurrence, evidencing that the nation’s ecological system is ideal for unique species. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325553-himalayan-giant-honey-bees-spotted-in-chiang-mai/

Himalayan giant honey bees have been spotted in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai province, a first-time occurrence, evidencing that the nation’s ecological system is ideal for unique species. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, together with a team of biology researchers from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Sciences, made the announcement yesterday. The unexpected discovery took place last May. A group of biologists had been tracking the Kaiser-I-Hind, a scarce butterfly species previously sighted within the boundaries of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. During their exploration, they encountered a swarm of bees, distinguishable by their entirely black abdomen, golden yellow fur on the thorax, and muted wing colour. The team collected three specimens for comprehensive analysis. Nattapot Warrit, a researcher from the team, highlighted that this find substantiates the existence of the rare species via DNA testing. This comes after a photograph, believed to be the first of the Himalayan giant honey bee in Thailand, was posted on the iNaturalist website in 2020. Nattapot explained that these giant bees generally inhabit chilly landscapes at altitudes of 1,000 to over 4,500 metres, where temperatures are below 25 degrees celcius. Previous sightings have been recorded in China, Nepal, India, Myanmar, and Vietnam, but never in Thailand. “This discovery proves that Thailand has a perfect ecological system for the cave bee. This pollinator plays a significant role in increasing the population of specific plants that grow in a low-temperature environment.” About 95% of its hives are found in caves, earning it the moniker, cave bee. With individual colonies ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 bees, it is considered one of the most significant honey producers globally. Its presence is crucial in mountainous regions due to its ability to aid in plant territorial expansion. Climate change However, Warrit voiced concern over the potential impact of climate change on the giant bee population. Increasing temperatures could lead to a decline in their numbers. “Our study found the giant bee migrates to Thailand in March and leaves in July. But if the temperatures on high mountains aren’t cold enough, they might not come back.” The team discovered three hives within the national park and is optimistic about finding more in other national parks in Chiang Mai province and the northeastern region, reported Bangkok Post. Department’s deputy chief, Songkiat Tatiyanond, hailed the discovery as a testament to the department’s successful efforts in preserving the forest’s delicate ecological system. He assured further support for the ongoing study of this rare bee species. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman assaulted in Bangkok gym after rejecting man’s advances (video) by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Facebook In a shocking incident in Bangkok, a muscular man, angered by a failed flirtation attempt, violently threw a woman to the ground, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325552-woman-assaulted-in-bangkok-gym-after-rejecting-man’s-advances-video/

In a shocking incident in Bangkok, a muscular man, angered by a failed flirtation attempt, violently threw a woman to the ground, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system. The altercation, captured on CCTV and shared on the Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ Retrain part 6, occurred at a gym in the Sukhumvit area. The man’s aggressive behaviour has sparked a warning to local gyms about the potential danger he poses. The post, which has been widely circulated, shows the man’s disproportionate reaction after the woman, a Chinese national, rejected his advances. The victim filed a report with the police but her quest for justice seems to be in jeopardy. The officers suggested that the assault was too minor to merit a severe response, proposing a mere 20,000 baht (US$540) settlement. However, the case is far from concluded, as the woman plans to seek further medical evaluation on April 23. This statement from the police has caused outrage among the public, with many calling for a more just handling of the situation, reported KhaoSod. The man, who had been training the woman for free, seemingly expected a romantic relationship in return. When she instead sought training with friends, his frustration boiled over, leading to the assault. As the story unfolds, the victim fears the police may not take her side, especially if the man claims he has been attacked in retaliation. In related news, a beauty salon owner in Lopburi province narrowly escaped an assault after a man repeatedly walked past her shop before attempting to force himself upon her. The incident was later brought to public attention through a cautionary post on the Facebook page Social Hunter Reborn V3. The Facebook post included an image of the alleged perpetrator, who was dressed in a blue sports shirt covered with a long-sleeved black jacket, a black side bag, and white sports trousers, and was notably not wearing underwear. He also wore a helmet and a face mask, concealing his identity, while holding a mobile phone. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Facebook Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Transgender fugitive caught after 2-years hiding in meditation centre by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A two-year fugitive, a transgender woman, was finally apprehended by the police after a long period of evading law enforcement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325551-transgender-fugitive-caught-after-2-years-hiding-in-meditation-centre/

A two-year fugitive, a transgender woman, was finally apprehended by the police after a long period of evading law enforcement. The individual was wanted for snatching a gold necklace from a noodle vendor during an opportune moment and had since been hiding in a monastery. The arrest also unearthed an existing warrant for drug-related charges. Today, April 21, Thai law enforcement officers successfully concluded a long-standing manhunt with the capture of 29 year old Amornthep Ata, a cunning thief who had been on the run for over two years. Amornthep was wanted by the Srisaket Provincial Court for a theft involving a vehicle to facilitate escape and avoid arrest. The arrest took place in a monastery in Nong Sarai sub-district, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, marking the end of a fugitive’s lengthy evasion of justice. The incident that led to Amornthep’s arrest occurred on April 29, 2022, when he rode a green Honda Wave motorcycle, borrowed from his sister, to a noodle shop in Ban Ngieng village. While pretending to buy noodles, Amornthep noticed the vendor wearing a gold necklace weighing approximately 1 baht (a traditional Thai unit of weight). Seizing a moment of distraction, he snatched the necklace and fled the scene on the motorcycle. During the investigation, Amornthep confessed to the theft of the gold necklace from the noodle vendor. A background check revealed a prior arrest warrant from the Pathumwan District Court, dated October 19, 2020, for drug consumption. Following his confession, Amornthep was taken to the Uthumphon Phisai Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod. Teeradech Thamsuthee, an officer involved in the operation, emphasised the importance of not abusing religious institutions to hide criminal activity. He stated that those who commit crimes and then seek refuge in monasteries, feigning righteousness, cannot escape their karma. He urged individuals not to use temples or meditation centres as sanctuaries to cleanse their sins, but instead to contribute positively to the community’s faith and trust. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ladyboy Arrested For Throwing Glass Bottle At Tourist In Pattaya by TNR Staff The transgender after being arrested and the motorcycle he rode to attack the tourist. Photo: TV Channel 7 A THAI transgender was arrested in Pattaya this afternoon (Apr. 20) after riding past a beer bar and throwing a glass bottle at a foreign tourist leading to his lips being cut and startling other tourists in the vicinity, TV Channel 7 said this evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325550-ladyboy-arrested-for-throwing-glass-bottle-at-tourist-in-pattaya/

Pattaya Tourist Police Arrest Transgender Person for Alleged Assault on Foreign Tourist By Kittisak Phalaharn Pattaya—At 2:06 PM, on April 20th, 2024, Pattaya tourist police arrested a transgender person who allegedly threw a glass bottle at a foreign tourist in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, on April 16th. According to the police report, on the night of April 16th, a suspect identified only as Mr. Saksit, a 26-year-old transgender person, allegedly threw a glass bottle at a foreign visitor who was enjoying their time during the Songkran holidays at a bar in Soi Buakhao. As a result, the victim suffered a busted lip, and other pubgoers were panicked from the ruckus. The incident negatively affected the world class family friendly tourism image of Pattaya City, according to the police report. In response to the incident, the officers worked proactively and inspected local CCTV to find the suspect’s escape route. The police later successfully tracked down and captured the suspect at their residence in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe