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The minister of Industry has addressed concerns over the relocation of cadmium waste found in Samut Sakhon, saying it would be returned to Tak Province. A plan by the owning company Bound & Beyond, has agreed to send 30 trucks to complete the move by the end of the day tomorrow. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawat appeared in front of hundreds of people in Chiang Mai last night to celebrate Songkran, He was cheered and stopped for photo opportunities with locals and tourists. Locally Prime minister Thavasin and his wife continued their visit to Hua hin Market yesterday morning, Food vendors were told that local businesses would improve next year as the government will introduce activities and incentives to attract more tourists. Thai Airways international has issued a statement to say flights to Europe have been diverted to avoid the Middle east. Thai along with all other airlines that usually fly over Iran and other middle eastern countries have re-routed flights to avoid the region causing minimal disruption to regular services. Around the region Malaysian police yesterday launched a hunt for a man suspected of trying to murder his wife at Kuala Lumpur Airport. Two Shots were fired at his wife, One bullet struck her personal bodyguard in the abdomen and the other missed her. The bodyguard was in critical condition. The 38 year old shooter fled and was believed to have headed towards the border with Thailand. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny then.. cloudy with some thunder showers 38C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 36C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, 35 C AQI yellow, moderate Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-15 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Scammer’s plan to use SpaceX Starlink satellites in transnational scam network targeting Thailand by James Morris and Son Nguyen Police Lieutenant General Jiraphat Phuridet briefing the media on Friday, April 12th, on the haul discovered by police. Valued at ฿5.4 million, it appeared to be a call centre operation on the move out of Myanmar to Laos within the Golden Triangle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324950-scammer’s-plan-to-use-starlink-satellites-in-transnational-scam-network-targeting-thailand/

Police Lieutenant General Jiraphat Phuridet briefing the media on Friday, April 12th, on the haul discovered by police. Valued at ฿5.4 million, it appeared to be a call centre operation on the move out of Myanmar to Laos within the Golden Triangle. Thai police disrupt a transnational scam network using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite, targeting Thailand with high-tech operations spanning across Asia and other parts of the world. Thai police, on Friday, revealed that they have disrupted a call scammer gang that planned to use Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network to link it with telecommunications networks across the world including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Asia. Starlink is a commercial satellite firm operated by Musk’s SpaceX. Police are still studying the find of hardware and data destined for the Golden Triangle area in Laos via Chiang Rai. However, they believe it was Chinese-controlled and in transit from war-torn Myanmar. It was staffed by Burmese, Thai, Lao and Chinese personnel. The find comes after a December 2023 report across Asia showed that Thai people are the most susceptible population to online scams. Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has made a breakthrough discovery into the operations of scammers network on the country’s borders. The discovery occurred after a parcel was posted from the United Kingdom to an address in Chiang Mai. It indicated that an extensive international scammer organisation may be on the move. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Top Regional Police Inspect Pattaya Area Police Checkpoints for Songkran By Adam Judd Banglamung, Pattaya – In a concerted effort to ensure public safety during the Songkran Festival, Police Major General Surajit Chingnawan, also known as “Burapha 3,” Deputy Commander of Police Region 2, visited several police stations in the Chonburi area to oversee the implementation of strict traffic policies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324949-top-regional-police-inspect-pattaya-area-police-checkpoints-for-songkran/

Banglamung, Pattaya – In a concerted effort to ensure public safety during the Songkran Festival, Police Major General Surajit Chingnawan, also known as “Burapha 3,” Deputy Commander of Police Region 2, visited several police stations in the Chonburi area to oversee the implementation of strict traffic policies. The visit on the afternoon of April 14th was part of a broader initiative to enforce road safety regulations at key tourist attractions during Thailand’s traditional New Year celebrations. Major General Chingnawan inspected traffic checkpoints at Banglamung, Nong Prue, Pattaya City, and Na Jomtien police stations, where he also took the opportunity to boost the morale of the officers on duty. In his address to the traffic police, Major General Chingnawan commended their dedication and outlined the enforcement of ten principal goals under the Traffic Act. The Royal Thai Police’s policy has been intensified to include offenses such as failure to wear a helmet, seatbelt violations, and drunk driving. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Others With a Gun in Pattaya During Songkran by Adam Judd Pattaya-As Thailand’s Songkran Festival continues, the nation was immersed in the vibrant celebration of this long-standing cultural tradition. This year marked a significant milestone as UNESCO had recognized “Songkran in Thailand” as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324948-thai-man-arrested-after-allegedly-threatening-others-with-a-gun-in-pattaya-during-songkran/

Pattaya-As Thailand’s Songkran Festival continues, the nation was immersed in the vibrant celebration of this long-standing cultural tradition. This year marked a significant milestone as UNESCO had recognized “Songkran in Thailand” as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Thai government, seizing the opportunity to showcase its “National Soft Power,” aimed to draw tourists worldwide to the festivities, resulting in the most lively Songkran atmosphere in five years, post-COVID, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. In the midst of the festivities, a concerning incident unfolded in the Banglamung District, Pattaya City. Citizens and tourists from various nationalities were reported to be enjoying the water festivities along roads and beaches across the city. To be fair, many local expats who aren’t fans of the festival or getting wet have been mostly staying at home. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe However, the celebratory mood was disrupted when a drunken altercation led to a potentially violent confrontation.

Two Suspects in Fatal Shooting of Bangkok Technical College Student Sentenced to 21 Years in Jail By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok— On April 13th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation team (IDMB) publicly revealed on social media a jurisdiction’s decision regarding a technical college shooting incident on January 14th, 2024, at Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324946-two-suspects-in-fatal-shooting-of-bangkok-technical-college-student-sentenced-to-21-years/

Bangkok— On April 13th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation team (IDMB) publicly revealed on social media a jurisdiction’s decision regarding a technical college shooting incident on January 14th, 2024, at Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok. On January 14th, Thai national media reported a shooting incident of a third-year civil engineering student from the Rajamangala University of Technology, Uthen Thawai Campus, who was shot to death by two suspects in front of a bus stop. The two suspects were captured by the Thai police after an intense investigation. The suspects including one shooter and one rider were sentenced to 21 years and six months of imprisonment and had to pay compensation to the victim’s family of 1.3 million baht. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Young man found dead in Khon Kaen pond sparks police probe by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Thairath Tragedy struck when the body of a young man was discovered, his head brutally stuffed in a bag and submerged in a pond, triggering an urgent police investigation. The unsettling find was made at 10am today, April 14, in a water body within the Ban Ped area of Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324945-young-man-found-dead-in-khon-kaen-pond-sparks-police-probe/

Tragedy struck when the body of a young man was discovered, his head brutally stuffed in a bag and submerged in a pond, triggering an urgent police investigation. The unsettling find was made at 10am today, April 14, in a water body within the Ban Ped area of Khon Kaen province, Thailand. Law enforcement, accompanied by the Sawang Khon Kaen Samakkhi rescue team, responded to a tip-off from a concerned citizen. Upon their arrival at the scene near Ban Phonsawan, Moo 13, Lao Nadi Road, they encountered the grim sight of a man’s body floating in the pond. The victim was dressed in jeans and a black long-sleeved jacket emblazoned with a football club’s insignia. Notably, a tattoo of a koi fish marked his back, indicating that he had likely been dead for at least three days. Further examination revealed his head was concealed in a black bag. Within the bag, a brown wallet was found containing an identification card belonging to 23 year old Chisanuphong (surname withheld) from Chaiyaphum province, along with 200 baht (US$5.5) in cash, a product receipt with a telephone number, and a bank transfer slip for 300 baht (US$8) dated April 8. The police have not yet pinpointed a specific motive and are not discounting any possible causes of death. Confirmation awaits the arrival of family members to claim the body and provide additional information that could shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding the young man’s demise. Moreover, there’s uncertainty about whether the deceased is the same individual as the owner of the identification card found. As the investigation at the scene continued, the police’s forensic team meticulously examined the area but found no signs of struggle or any clues pointing to a suspect. The chief investigator suggested that the man might have been attacked near where his body was discovered or that he could have been assaulted elsewhere, rendered unconscious, and then dumped in the pond to conceal the crime. The perpetrator or perpetrators were speculated to be at least one or two individuals, reported KhaoSod. Currently, the investigative team is intensively searching for leads from CCTV footage along the road leading to the pond in their relentless pursuit to bring the culprits to justice. Meanwhile, the victim’s body has been sent to Srinakarin Hospital’s forensic institute for an autopsy, following standard procedures. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Thairath Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Records Total of 24 Accidents in Three days of ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Phuket has announced a total of 24 road accidents, 24 injuries, and zero deaths in three days (April 11th – April 13th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324944-phuket-records-total-of-24-accidents-in-3-days-of-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign/

Phuket – Phuket has announced a total of 24 road accidents, 24 injuries, and zero deaths in three days (April 11th – April 13th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. The Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Office told the Phuket Express on Sunday (April 14th) the details of the third day (April 13th) of the campaign. There were in total 12 road accidents with 12 injuries. Three road accidents were in the Mueang District with three injuries. Four accidents with four injuries took place in the Thalang district. Five accidents took place in the Kathu district (Home of Patong). By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two Nigerian Men Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Selling Cocaine By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Two Nigerian men were arrested in Karon on Friday (April 12th) for allegedly selling cocaine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324943-two-nigerian-men-arrested-in-phuket-for-allegedly-selling-cocaine/

Phuket – Two Nigerian men were arrested in Karon on Friday (April 12th) for allegedly selling cocaine. The Phuket Tourist Police told the Phuket Express that they arrested Mr. Harrison Chinnonso Onyema, 40 and Mr. Ogadinma Promise Onyema, 41, both Nigerian nationals. They were arrested at a parking area of a hotel on the Kata Road in Karon. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran Water Splashing Causes Viral Fight in Phuket By Adam Judd Phuket—At 4:20 PM, on April 13th, 2024, Thai social media posted a viral video of two foreigners having a dispute after one became upset after being sprayed with a water gun on Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324942-songkran-water-splashing-causes-viral-fight-in-phuket/

Phuket—At 4:20 PM, on April 13th, 2024, Thai social media posted a viral video of two foreigners having a dispute after one became upset after being sprayed with a water gun on Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket. Phuket’s Songkran event was held on Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, having many Thai and foreign tourists participating in the water fight. However, Mr. Nopparat Yiwa, a Civil Defense Volunteer, reportedly told Phuket local media that he witnessed a shirtless foreigner who rode a motorbike taxi to Patong Beach. After that, a black shirt foreigner allegedly water-gunned the motorbike taxi rider, but the shirtless foreigner was not hit. The situation escalated as the shirtless foreigner was infuriated and threw punches at the black shirt foreigner. Nopparat further added that his friend attempted to stop the dispute but was unable to do so. Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Marks a Wild Songkran 2024, But Night Time Water Play Annoys Many By Adam Judd PATTAYA- The renowned Walking Street of Pattaya City was transformed into a vibrant arena of joy as both Thai and international tourists gathered to celebrate the official commencement of the Songkran Festival 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324941-pattaya-marks-a-wild-songkran-2024-but-night-time-water-play-annoys-many/

PATTAYA- The renowned Walking Street of Pattaya City was transformed into a vibrant arena of joy as both Thai and international tourists gathered to celebrate the official commencement of the Songkran Festival 2024. The festive night was marked by an outpouring of visitors armed with water guns, engaging in wild water play that continued throughout the evening until the very early hours of Sunday morning, April 14th. As the first official national day of Thailand’s most cherished water festival unfolded, Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Inspector General of Tourist Police Station 4, Subdivision 2, Tourist Police Division 1, led a contingent of tourist police officers and volunteers. Their mission was to ensure the safety and security of the revelers, with a focus on preventing altercations and safeguarding against any instances of sexual assault. The city’s entertainment zones, including Soi Buakhao, Soi 6-8, Pattaya Beach Road, and Walking Street, witnessed a surge of activity as tourists flocked to these areas to partake in the festivities. The influx of visitors contributed to a palpable increase in the city’s liveliness, with many foreign tourists and local Thais, especially younger people, expressing their enthusiasm for the event. Not everyone is happy, however. In Pattaya, the festival started on some sois as early as April 9th and will continue until the final day on April 19th, known as Wan Lai, in a wild final hurrah that will see hundreds of thousands of revelers. Besides the length of the festival, many expat residents are peeved that the former “unwritten rule” of stopping water play at night (A Pattaya rule, notes TPN, as in Patong and Bangkok late night parties had been standard for some time) appears to have ended since last year. Police have stated previously that ending water play at night, although discouraged, isn’t a law, especially in entertainment zones. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Heavily Injured Foreign Man Found Near Pattaya’s Walking Street, Police Investigate By Adam Judd Pattaya- An unidentified foreign man of Caucasian descent around 40 years old was found in a state of distress and injury early Thursday morning, with head wounds and covered in blood, prompting an emergency response from local rescue foundation officials in Pattaya City. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324940-heavily-injured-foreign-man-found-near-pattaya’s-walking-street-police-investigate/

Pattaya- An unidentified foreign man of Caucasian descent around 40 years old was found in a state of distress and injury early Thursday morning, with head wounds and covered in blood, prompting an emergency response from local rescue foundation officials in Pattaya City. At 5:00 a.m., officials from the Sawang Boriboon rescue center were notified by a local resident about a foreigner in need of assistance. The individual was discovered sitting on the sidewalk along Pattaya Sai 2 Road, near the Songthaew parking area close to the Wat Chai Mongkol intersection, with significant bleeding from the head. This is just behind the popular Walking Street entertainment area. Rescue workers arrived promptly at the scene to administer first aid. The injured man, displaying symptoms that suggested intoxication, was unable to provide an account of what had transpired and seemed dazed, drunk, and confused. Mr. Suwitmon Lamun Anu, a 37-year-old Songthaew (Baht bus) driver, told The Pattaya News that he had first found the foreigner sitting in a state of confusion, who was visibly wounded and seeking help, but the details surrounding the injuries remained unclear. The foreign man was transported to the Pattaya City Hospital for medical treatment due to substantial blood loss. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin in Chiang Mai again Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra visits Chiang Mai province yesterday for the second time after being freed on parole in February. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324939-thaksin-in-chiang-mai-again/

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra visits Chiang Mai province yesterday for the second time after being freed on parole in February. Convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will provide an opportunity for those who wish to meet him and offer him Songkran blessings tomorrow in Chiang Mai. Thaksin, who was freed on parole from a prison sentence he was serving for corruption, travelled by private jet to his hometown of Chiang Mai yesterday. Tomorrow’s event will take place at the residence of Yaowaret Shinawatra, his younger sister. This visit to the province is his second since being granted parole on February 19. The Corrections Department approved his release, finding that he met the parole criteria, specifically relating to old age and serious illnesses. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM dismisses rumours of imminent cabinet reshuffle Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has refuted yesterday’s rumour of a cabinet shakeup after the Songkran break, claiming that it was pure speculation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324938-pm-dismisses-rumours-of-imminent-cabinet-reshuffle/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has refuted yesterday’s rumour of a cabinet shakeup after the Songkran break, claiming that it was pure speculation. At least two mainstream print media reported, without citing credible sources, that the prime minister would reshuffle Pheu Thai party cabinet portfolios, to the effect that both Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang and Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew would be removed, with the prime minister taking over as defence minister. Asked by reporters today about a cabinet reshuffle on April 17, the prime minister retorted asking the media whether they were now speaking on behalf of the prime minister and whether their speculation is correct. He said that the rumour had caused some ministers, whose names were mentioned in the reporting, discomfort and to call him, adding that he told them that there was to be no cabinet reshuffle as speculated. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe