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Helicopter used to put out fires on Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai Picture: INN INN reported that the army were using a soviet designed Mi-17 to drop water and put out fires in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256658-helicopter-used-to-put-out-fires-on-mae-taeng-chiang-mai/

Picture: INN INN reported that the army were using a soviet designed Mi-17 to drop water and put out fires in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai. The helicopter flew 6 sorties dumping 21,000 liters of water. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They were targeting two areas in Ban Chang and Soppoeng sub-districts, Mae Taeng district, where there were serious fires. High temperatures sparked many fires. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13 - 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

Gas tanker overturns in fireball after collision with truck trailer Daily News Thai Caption: Gasoline tanker burns Mae Thor police responded after reports of a collision between a truck trailer and a gas tanker on the Tak to Mae Sot road in front of the Tak Land Development office yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256657-gas-tanker-overturns-in-fireball-after-collision-with-truck-trailer/

Daily News Thai Caption: Gasoline tanker burns Mae Thor police responded after reports of a collision between a truck trailer and a gas tanker on the Tak to Mae Sot road in front of the Tak Land Development office yesterday. The gas tanker was on fire and there were intermittent explosions. Fire threatened to burn some houses down as the fuel rode on water being used to douse the flames. This caused firemen to switch to chemical retardants. It was an hour before the blaze was under control, reported Daily News. The gas tanker had hit a truck with a full load of iron building materials. The latter vehicle was damaged in the rear. Building materials were spread all over the road. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Picture: Daily News The driver of the gas tanker - Arnat, 42 - got out alive but suffered burns to his face and arms and was taken to Taksin Maharat hospital. Thai Rath said the accident caused a 5 kilometer tailback heading towards Mae Sot, the situation made worse by the large number of Songkran vehicles on the road. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13 - 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

Going home for Songkran - GPS takes two Thai ladies into the klong! Picture: Thai Rath Punika, 30, driving a Yaris put her faith in GPS as she drove her friend Monrudee, 23, home for Songkran in Khon Kaen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256655-going-home-for-songkran-gps-takes-two-thai-ladies-into-the-klong/

Picture: Thai Rath Punika, 30, driving a Yaris put her faith in GPS as she drove her friend Monrudee, 23, home for Songkran in Khon Kaen. At 12.30 am this morning at a bend in the darkened road in Kabin sub-district, she drove off the road into a deep klong at an elbow bend. The ravine was 10 meters deep and both ladies were trapped and going under. But they had the good sense not to panic and called 191. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Soon the day was saved by the Kabinburi police and rescue teams who managed to get to the stricken ladies. Shaken and cold but otherwise unhurt the two occupants of the car were taken to Kabinburi hospital for a check-up. Thai Rath reported that the area of the incident is not just dark but there are diversionary roadworks. Picture: Thai Rath And most of the signage in the area has been stolen and needs replacing. They called on the authorities to act. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13 - 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

Food hoax ends in smiles for handicapped delivery guy Sanook Thai Caption: Respect one another Sanook went to investigate near a well known mall in Chonburi where they found a Grab delivery rider in floods of tears. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256652-food-hoax-ends-in-smiles-for-handicapped-delivery-guy/

Sanook Thai Caption: Respect one another Sanook went to investigate near a well known mall in Chonburi where they found a Grab delivery rider in floods of tears. Asked what the problem was there was not the normal response. Worawut Ekkaphol, 37, is deaf and unable to speak. His friend Sunthorn came along to help with signing and translations and explained that Worawut had received a food order at 10 am yesterday that came to 2,951 baht. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But when he got to the place of delivery there was no answer to calls or messages and by noon Worawut realized he'd been hoaxed. However, the story had a happy ending after former local councillor Pasakorn Hormhuan heard of the handicapped man's plight and bought all the food for 3,000 baht. That put a big smile on Worawut's face. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13 - 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

1 Million Foreign Arrivals Expected at AOT Airports This Songkran by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has indicated that around one million tourists are expected to arrive in Thailand via six international airports from April 11-17. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256651-1-million-foreign-arrivals-expected-at-aot-airports-this-songkran/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Airports of Thailand Plc (AOT) has indicated that around one million tourists are expected to arrive in Thailand via six international airports from April 11-17. According to AOT Director Nitinai Sirismatthakarn, the long Songkran holiday period should see increased travel activity among Thai and foreign tourists following the government’s relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. The AOT operates six airports, namely Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Hat Yai. The AOT director said the agency anticipates 9,310 flights between April 11 and 17, an increase of 14.48% over the same period last year. Domestic flights are meanwhile projected to total 6,820, a decrease of 2.79%, while international flights should total 2,490 for a 123.14% increase. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Nitinai added that officials at all six airports have been instructed to strictly adhere to health measures imposed by the Ministry of Public Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To streamline the check-in process for departing passengers, AOT has installed common-use passenger processing and common-use bag drop systems at each facility. From April 11-17, Suvarnabhumi Airport will also waive parking fees for its long parking zone, or Zone C, and provide shuttle buses to and from the zone every 15 minutes. Additionally, from April 13-18, passengers can park their vehicles for free at the X-Terminal building. Nitinai advised departing passengers to arrive at airports at least two or three hours prior to departure, in order to allow sufficient time for checking in and avoiding any unexpected delays caused by the sudden spike in passenger numbers. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-13 - 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

Cabinet Approves Over 1.4 Trillion Baht in New Borrowing for Fiscal 2022 by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet this week approved 1.41 trillion baht in new borrowing for the current fiscal year to September, up from its previous plan of 1.36 trillion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256650-cabinet-approves-over-14-trillion-baht-in-new-borrowing-for-fiscal-2022/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - The Cabinet this week approved 1.41 trillion baht in new borrowing for the current fiscal year to September, up from its previous plan of 1.36 trillion baht. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek explained that the additional debt is part of a broader debt management strategy to reduce public debt to 62.76% of gross domestic product (GDP). This would keep it well below the 70% ceiling. As of February, Thailand’s state debt stood at 60.17 percent of GDP. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe She further clarified that the new debt strategy includes a 10 billion baht loan to the national oil fund to keep domestic gasoline prices stable without affecting living expenses. Rachada said the government also intends to spend 29.3 billion baht on restructuring government debt due this fiscal year, which may include international borrowing. The administration would spend another 39.4 billion baht on investment projects. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-04-13 - 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

Yaba: Mum forced to bury money hiding it from her son - but now he's dead after shooting Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a grim case from Roi-Et in the north east of Thailand. It was all about Yaba, the meth of choice in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256649-yaba-mum-forced-to-bury-money-hiding-it-from-her-son-but-now-hes-dead-after-shooting/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported on a grim case from Roi-Et in the north east of Thailand. It was all about Yaba, the meth of choice in Thailand. Two years ago Likhit or Num, 34, went back home after his marriage failed. His wife kicked him out because of his drug use. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe In Roi-Et in the village of Ban Rai Non Charoen things went from bad to worse. Num was forever pestering his mother, Teun, 64, to give him handouts to buy drugs. Picture: Thai Rath Yesterday she refused even though she had the 500 baht cash he demanded. She'd buried it in a plastic bag by the chicken coop. This all infuriated Num who attacked Phrom, the houseowner and step father to Num, with a hammer. Num then pulled out a 9mm gun. Picture: Thai Rath Phrom, 57, said he launched himself at his stepson and they grappled with the gun that went off once. He wasn't sure who had been hit until Num slumped to the floor. Sateuk ploce have charged Phrom with negligent homicide. A 9mm gun was taken into evidence. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13 - 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

Fairly large nest egg needed to retire comfortably in Thailand Extended families are no longer the norm in Thai society. Gone are the days when elderly parents can simply wait for aid from their grown-up children. (Photo by Danie Franco) Unlike previous generations, people entering their senior years now and in the future will likely need to save a substantial sum of money for their retirement. Without savings, they risk struggling on their own, minus support from younger relatives or the government. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256648-fairly-large-nest-egg-needed-to-retire-comfortably-in-thailand/

Extended families are no longer the norm in Thai society. Gone are the days when elderly parents can simply wait for aid from their grown-up children. (Photo by Danie Franco) Unlike previous generations, people entering their senior years now and in the future will likely need to save a substantial sum of money for their retirement. Without savings, they risk struggling on their own, minus support from younger relatives or the government. Extended families are no longer the norm in Thai society. Gone are the days when elderly parents can simply wait for aid from their grown-up children. Many young couples nowadays say that if they tie the knot, they prefer not to live with their in-laws. When families live apart, financial resources cannot be shared so easily. Also, more Thais are choosing to stay single these days. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe As of 2017, about 10 percent of Thailand’s senior population was living alone. And this is a growing trend: the percentage of elderly people living on their own rose by 4.5 percent per year between 2007 and 2017. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/fairly-large-nest-egg-needed-to-retire-comfortably-in-thailand/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-13 - 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

Songkran standoff through the night: Son kills father then exchanges fire with cops Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Phon Thong police in Waeng sub-district of Roi-Et in Thailand's NE region were called after shooting at a house. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256647-songkran-standoff-through-the-night-son-kills-father-then-exchanges-fire-with-cops/

Picture: Thai Rath Thai Rath reported that the Phon Thong police in Waeng sub-district of Roi-Et in Thailand's NE region were called after shooting at a house. Three people were found injured from gunshot wounds. Sawat, 57, the assailant's father had wounds to his head and chest. Thaworn, 59, an uncle by marriage was shot in the abdomen and arm. Sakda, 30, was hit in the left knee. All were taken to hospital where Sawat died later. The assailant - 33 year old Ekkapong - was holed up on the second floor of the two story house as a tense standoff began. A neighbor told the media that the son was home for the Songkran holidays and normally worked in Chonburi. He heard many shots and thought drink was involved. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Police discovered that the weapon used was a BB gun .22 converted to fire real ammunition. In a continuing story reported on through the night Thai Rath said that the police were hampered by darkness and planned to wait until morning to get to the suspect. However, at 4 am the suspect descended the stairs to use the toilets resulting in both sides discharging their weapons before the suspect once again hid upstairs. More about this as we hear of it. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13a - 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

Khao San Road Songkran: Expect water fights but forget any events Picture: Thai Rath Khao San Road - once the thriving center where east met west in water battles among Songkran tourists - is expected to be reasonably quiet again this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256646-khao-san-road-songkran-expect-water-fights-but-forget-any-events/

Picture: Thai Rath Khao San Road - once the thriving center where east met west in water battles among Songkran tourists - is expected to be reasonably quiet again this year. Though Thai Rath quoted the head of the local business traders' association Sanga Reuangwattanakul that occupancy at the area hotels and hostels was 30-40%. This was an improvement on 2021 but nothing like pre-pandemic when all rooms would be taken at Songkran. Regarding water fights in the street he said it was hard to stop. He expected businesses in his association to push the boundaries as to what to allow but maintain Covid protocols where possible. Chana Songkhram police station is at the end of the road, notes ASEAN NOW. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Thai Rath Caption: Happy memories of fun in Khao San Road 2019 Sanga said that his group had pulled out of putting on a special event. It was just too bothersome given all the hoops and hurdles. These included having everyone test with ATK (troublesome with the large numbers) and wear masks all the time (impossible to properly regulate). Not being able to consume alcohol also contributed to the cancellation of the event. Sanga asked why people couldn't buy booze from 11-2 pm, as is their right? Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13 - 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

Tourists in Phuket exposed breaking the water splashing rules - police are nowhere Daily News Thai Caption: Breaking water throwing rules Daily News reported from Soi Bangla, Phuket, on the eve of the official start of the Songkran holidays yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256645-tourists-in-phuket-exposed-breaking-the-water-splashing-rules-police-are-nowhere/

Daily News Thai Caption: Breaking water throwing rules Daily News reported from Soi Bangla, Phuket, on the eve of the official start of the Songkran holidays yesterday. Towards evening large groups of foreign and Thai tourists were throwing and shooting water contrary to Covid-19 rules. Yet there were no police in sight. People on the holiday island cannot throw water in the traditional sense this year because of the fear of the spread of infection. Picture: Daily News But they can in the ultra-traditional sense - dribbling a bit of water on the head of a respected granddad for example. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Deputy governor Pichet Panapong put another term into the debate when asked for his reaction to the watern throwing scenes. Sprinkle. Pichet said that throwing water - using water guns and vehicles to get about - was a no-no. But sprinkling, that was alright. He said he'd have a word with the police. Health insurance plans that meet the long stay visa requirements -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-04-13 - 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

Pareena Kraikupt: Ruling party firebrand who burned bright before being banished After 17 years in politics, four-time MP Pareena Kraikupt from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party has been dealt a political death blow by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders. Last Thursday, she was stripped of her MP status and banned for life from running for political office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256644-pareena-kraikupt-ruling-party-firebrand-who-burned-bright-before-being-banished/

After 17 years in politics, four-time MP Pareena Kraikupt from the ruling Palang Pracharath Party has been dealt a political death blow by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders. Last Thursday, she was stripped of her MP status and banned for life from running for political office. The sentence came after the court found her guilty of severe ethical misconduct for encroaching on over 1,700 rai of state land in her home province of Ratchaburi. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Her offense was ruled a conflict of interest and damaging to MPs’ integrity — together considered ethical violations as per the Constitution. Unlikely support from enemy The outspoken Pareena, 45, described the court verdict as a “political death sentence” and urged her supporters to “meet again soon outside Parliament”. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/pareena-kraikupt-ruling-party-firebrand-who-burned-bright-before-being-banished/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-04-13 - 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

Stories of suffering and struggle reveal tragic side of Thailand’s ageing society Workers under the Mirror Foundation’s Work From Homeless project take a short break in Minburi, Bangkok. (Photo courtesy of Mirror Foundation) Eighty-year-old Chalong does not just sit at home waiting for his monthly government subsidy payment. Instead, he keeps himself busy doing odd jobs four days a week. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1256639-stories-of-suffering-and-struggle-reveal-tragic-side-of-thailand’s-ageing-society/