webfact

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has warned everyone, including tourists and business operators, that they must strictly comply with the Songkran water splashing restriction, said Government Spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana today. His announcement came after many tourists and Thais engaged in water battles at Patong beach on Phuket, in Chiang Mai and in Bangkok’s Khaosan area yesterday (Wednesday). Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said the prime minister has also instructed the governors of Phuket and Chiang Mai to explain water splashing restrictions to foreign tourists and the need to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections during the festival. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-pm-says-everyone-must-strictly-comply-with-water-splashing-restriction/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Meet the Songkran monk, drunk as a skunk! But can you guess his former job? Picture: Naew Na Naew Na went to investigate at the temple of Wat Phosri in Pakthongchai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand's gateway to the north east. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256774-meet-the-songkran-monk-drunk-as-a-skunk-but-can-you-guess-his-former-job/

Picture: Naew Na Naew Na went to investigate at the temple of Wat Phosri in Pakthongchai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand's gateway to the north east. Some parishioners were very angry with the antics of one of the monks. He was perpetually drunk after years of alcohol abuse and they wanted him defrocked. True to form, the media found Phra Chatree or Tun, aged 50, passed out in front of the monk's living quarters. Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He was in his saffron robes. After taking pictures, Naew Na reported the matter to the phu yai baan (village leader) and the police. The monk's mum was brought in next. She woke Tun up and a commotion ensued. When Tun came to his senses he admitted to drinking lao khao (white spirit) mixed with tonic drink. Open bottles of both were inside the monk's quarters. He shouted: "Drinking's not wrong - I'm not hurting anyone". He then fled the scene DRIVING off in a car. Tun has been a monk for four years. His previous career was policeman. But he was sacked from the force because of drinking. Now Phan the phu yai ban is gathering the photo and verbal evidence to defrock Tun at the earliest opportunity. Naew Na went with the caption of "Celebrating Songkran" with the slumped monk front and central. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

20K fine and two years in jail - police warn public not to step out of line at Songkran Picture: INN As the official first day of the Songkran festival got underway yesterday, the Thai police were warning the public to obey all the rules. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256770-20k-fine-and-two-years-in-jail-police-warn-public-not-to-step-out-of-line-at-songkran/

Picture: INN As the official first day of the Songkran festival got underway yesterday, the Thai police were warning the public to obey all the rules. Or else. RTP spokesman Maj-Gen Yingyot Thepjamnong told INN that the Thai new year was a joyous time. But there are still Covid-19 protocols in place and infections are rising - even if different areas have their own spin on what is acceptable. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He said there was a ban on organized water fights, foam and soapie Songkran style parties. The only big events allowed are cultural ones. Even then an entry/exit point needs to be monitored and all the rules followed. Yingyot warned violators that they could fall foul of Article 51 meaning up to 20,000 baht in fines or even Article 18 - prison for two years. He urged everyone to follow the rules at Songkran. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Video: Ladyboy washes bottom in noodle shop kitchen - owner says "get a room - a bathroom!" Sanook Thai Caption: Why don't you use the toilet? A video on social media published by Sanook showed a transgender man or ladyboy enter the restaurant of a noodle shop in Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256769-video-ladyboy-washes-bottom-in-noodle-shop-kitchen-owner-says-get-a-room-a-bathroom/

Sanook Thai Caption: Why don't you use the toilet? A video on social media published by Sanook showed a transgender man or ladyboy enter the restaurant of a noodle shop in Nonthaburi. After putting a paper bag on a table, the intruder - it is 4.34 am Saturday - gets some squirts of washing-up liquid and proceeds to lift their skirt. Upon which they then wipe their bottom over a drain. Owner of the duck noodle shop in Big C Tiwanon, Songsorn or "Pon", 44, pointed to the spot. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Sanook After doing this the ladyboy washed their hands then put Pon's slingshot in the paper bag and left. Pon said it was not about the slingshot, that only cost him 20 baht, he uses to scare off birds. No, it was about the bottom washing. He said: "It is not appropriate at all to wash your bottom in someone else's kitchen. "I implore the person concerned to use a bathroom next time". Picture: Sanook He mentioned that the ladyboy in this case is well known in the area especially at the market. People online claimed that the bottom washer was known to them personally. They said that the person would steal petty items then sell them at a temple flea market in the area. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Songkran 2022: Young people out having fun end up in hospital - one motorcyclist in serious condition Picture: Siam Rath Photharam police in Ratchaburi in south/central Thailand were called after two motorcycles got entangled, Siam Rath reported yesterday afternoon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256767-songkran-2022-young-people-out-having-fun-end-up-in-hospital-one-motorcyclist-in-serious-condition/

Picture: Siam Rath Photharam police in Ratchaburi in south/central Thailand were called after two motorcycles got entangled, Siam Rath reported yesterday afternoon. A group of friends had been visiting a water park. 500 meters into their homeward journey two of the five bikes collided. A man and a woman had slight injuries and were taken to Jet Samian hospital after first aid was administered. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe A third man - named as Dear - was unconscious and had blood coming from his mouth and nose. A medical team came from the hospital to pick him up. Two Honda motorcycles were crashed at the scene. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Death in custody: Relatives doubt police claims Daily News Thai Caption: Mystery death Relatives in Trang in the south of Thailand are doubtful of police claims that Sarot Decharat, 38, committed suicide in the cells. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256765-death-in-custody-relatives-doubt-police-claims/

Daily News Thai Caption: Mystery death Relatives in Trang in the south of Thailand are doubtful of police claims that Sarot Decharat, 38, committed suicide in the cells. He was found in the Bannaikuan police station with a tracksuit cord around his neck leading to his big toe. He was given CPR for ten minutes but was confirmed dead in hospital, according to Pol Capt Suwat Cheuameuang. The body was covered in wounds, blood and bruising. Capt Suwat explained that the suspect had been arrested for trespass and was in possession of 222 yaba pills. He was facing drug possession and drug taking charges also. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe He was taken for a Covid test at a hospital. On the way back - while handcuffed at the back - he ran off and after a 150 meter chase fell over. That's what caused the widespread injuries, he said. The suspect was dead early on Tuesday afternoon after being found unresponsive in a cell. The body was released to the relatives for burial as they are Muslims. The chief of police refused to comment past saying that "it was suicide" and an autopsy was underway. Daily News reporters found the victim's father Sathit, 72, who was not sure of what happened. But his elder sister Wasana, 41, was fighting back the tears and was not confident at all in the police claims. She saw the injuries for herself and they didn't match the police story about her brother. She had no idea how he had managed to hang himself with a cord wound round his neck and big toe. She said that the family are unlikely to be pressing the police for answers, making a case or creating a fuss. How can I fight the police, she lamented. But she was sure it wasn't suicide pointing to a very bad and mysterious injury on the back of her brother's head. She would like to see CCTV. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

GH Bank Lends Out 62.4 Billion Baht In Q1 by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - Government Housing Bank (GH Bank) lent out about 62.4 billion baht during the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 33.21%. It said most borrowers, 74.47%, were low and middle-income earners. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256764-gh-bank-lends-out-624-billion-baht-in-q1/

by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - Government Housing Bank (GH Bank) lent out about 62.4 billion baht during the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 33.21%. It said most borrowers, 74.47%, were low and middle-income earners. Chatchai Sirilai, GH Bank President, said the bank’s most popular product is the loan program of no more than 2.5 million baht. At the end of the quarter, GH Bank saw 1.49 trillion baht worth of non-performing loans (NPLs), an increase of 2.1% from the previous quarter. The bank had a total asset of 1.54 trillion baht, an increase of 2.25%. Of this number, 1.31 trillion baht was savings and 57.5 billion baht was NPLs. Chatchai said that the bank had prepared 115.6 billion baht for potential NPLs and had generated a net profit of 3.49 billion baht. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe GH Bank’s BIS Ratio at the end of February was 15.28%, well above the Bank of Thailand’s criteria of 8.5%. The BIS Ratio determines a bank’s capital to its risk. The national bank tracks a bank’s ratio to ensure that it can absorb a reasonable amount of loss and complies with statutory capital requirements. Chatchai attributed the government’s economic stimulus programs to the positive figures. These initiatives include the reduction in land process fees and the relaxation of housing loans. The GH Bank President expects people to borrow more before the benchmark rate increases in the future. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

AeroThai Urged to Prepare for Heavier Air Traffic Due to Russia-Ukraine Crisis by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Transport Ministry has directed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to prepare for the possibility of increased aviation and air traffic movement through Thailand in light of Russia-Ukraine conflict-related airspace restrictions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256762-aerothai-urged-to-prepare-for-heavier-air-traffic-due-to-russia-ukraine-crisis/

by Thammarat Thadaphrom BANGKOK (NNT) - The Transport Ministry has directed the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) to prepare for the possibility of increased aviation and air traffic movement through Thailand in light of Russia-Ukraine conflict-related airspace restrictions. Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob issued the order to Aerothai following a formal visit to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on April 5 by Juan Carlos Salazar Gomez, secretary-general of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Thailand is home to ICAO’s Asia Pacific regional office. Saksayam stated that the head of ICAO and the prime minister discussed the Russia-Ukraine crisis, which has resulted in the closure of Ukrainian and Russian airspace to aircraft from certain nations. He noted that some airlines have been forced to use alternate routes around closed airspaces and may have to fly over Thailand. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The transport minister stated that he has instructed Aerothai to conduct a review of data, including airline routes and the volume of air traffic passing over Thailand, prior to developing a contingency plan. Aerothai has also been told to prepare for the possibility that airlines will need to refuel in Thailand and to consider accommodating humanitarian flights evacuating those fleeing the ongoing conflicts. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

UPDATE Huge crowds celebrate Songkran in Phuket - police crackdown on water fights Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256753-huge-crowds-celebrate-songkran-in-phuket-police-crackdown-on-water-fights/

Foreign tourists have water fights in Chiang Mai - police have a word and local authority turn off the pipe Picture: Thai Rath Muang Chiang Mai police went to investigate after foreigners and Thai tourists engaged in water fights contrary to regulations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256757-foreign-tourists-have-water-fights-in-chiang-mai-police-have-a-word-and-local-authority-turn-off-the-pipe/

Picture: Thai Rath Muang Chiang Mai police went to investigate after foreigners and Thai tourists engaged in water fights contrary to regulations. The tourists were using water from a pipe that had not been turned off. They took this as an open invitation to have a water fight, claiming they didn't know there was a ban. Most people were not wearing masks. The fighting was going on in the City Gate area. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Thai Rath Pol Col Phuwanat Duangdee said that the local authority later turned off the water as his men asked people not to have water fights. Some continued despite the police intervention. No arrests were reported. Thai Rath had "I am sorry" transliterated into Thai in their headline though no one had appeared to apologize. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Songkran brings a splash of memories For anyone who has lived in Thailand for more than a year, Songkran time is unforgettable. The bright yellow flowers, called Golden Shower or ratchaphruek, burst into bloom weeks ahead, adding to the build-up to this vibrant festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256755-songkran-brings-a-splash-of-memories/

For anyone who has lived in Thailand for more than a year, Songkran time is unforgettable. The bright yellow flowers, called Golden Shower or ratchaphruek, burst into bloom weeks ahead, adding to the build-up to this vibrant festival. If you are organized enough and plan well in advance, you would be at some scenic beach resort escaping the heat, but that was beyond me. Moreover, work that had to be done in advance to cover the long holiday period meant that many were at breaking point by the time the actual holidays arrived. Sitting in the traffic for hours would be the last thing anyone would want. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe For Bangkok residents who stay in the city, one of the main things to look forward to is the lack of traffic as most Thais head to their hometowns. Zipping around the city is possible during the Songkran holidays giving you a chance to make a trip across town to catch up with some old mates. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/songkran-brings-a-splash-of-memories/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Tourists ignore Songkran water-fight ban on Bangkok’s Khaosan Road A large number of locals and foreign tourists flocked to Bangkok’s Khaosan Road last night (Wednesday) to engage in Songkran water fights, despite the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s ban on the usual widespread splashing of water for the third year, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256754-tourists-ignore-songkran-water-fight-ban-on-bangkok’s-khaosan-road/

A large number of locals and foreign tourists flocked to Bangkok’s Khaosan Road last night (Wednesday) to engage in Songkran water fights, despite the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s ban on the usual widespread splashing of water for the third year, to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Wednesday afternoon, municipal officials from Phra Nakhon District Office ordered all businesses on Khaosan Road not to allow tourists to splash water and to remove all ice buckets, adding that those who defy the order would be subject to a 100,000 baht fine. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Despite the ban, however, many foreign tourists continued to play with water guns, without maintaining any social distancing. Most of them did not wear facemasks. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/tourists-ignore-songkran-water-fight-ban-on-bangkoks-khaosan-road/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Huge crowds celebrate Songkran in Phuket - police crackdown on water fights Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath followed up in Soi Bangla, Patong, Phuket after there were widespread water fights onTuesday among Thai and foreign tourists raising fears of Covid-19 spread. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256753-huge-crowds-celebrate-songkran-in-phuket-police-crackdown-on-water-fights/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath followed up in Soi Bangla, Patong, Phuket after there were widespread water fights onTuesday among Thai and foreign tourists raising fears of Covid-19 spread. Yesterday the Patong police and DOPA (Department of Provincial Administration) officials went to the popular entertainment area. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Thai Rath But they were not out for arrests; this was a softy-softly campaign to ensure that bar owners discouraged water fights outside their establishments, as per the regulations. Large deposits of water prepared for tourists to refill their guns were tipped away. Picture: Thai Rath The media reported that the area was bustling yesterday evening with still some pockets of people engaging in illegal water fights. Aetna Platinum+ Light on premium, great on coverage -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-14 - Aetna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Roi-Et shooting update: Killer snared with cigarette ruse Picture: Thai Rath The standoff between a man who murdered his father in Roi-Et and shot two other relatives is over. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256751-roi-et-shooting-update-killer-snared-with-cigarette-ruse/