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The Thai military has an intricate network of business dealings that remain largely unexplored. From gas stations to golf courses, the Armed Forces' interests have taken root in various sectors. These findings emerge amidst initiatives by the House of Representatives to disentangle the military from these commercial activities, to prevent corruption and maintain focus on national defense. The Thai public got an unsettling insight into the military's commercial world in 2020, when an incident involving a corrupted business deal sparked a deadly shooting spree by a junior army officer. This incident led to a push for regulation, resulting in a memorandum of understanding signed by Army chief General Apirat Kongsompong defining the types of military businesses required to share revenue with the Treasury Department. Three primary categories for military enterprises emerged: internal welfare, general business, and special businesses - the latter involving offbeat ventures such as boxing stadiums and lavish resorts. Clear criteria for business categorisation remain elusive, with significant ambiguity surrounding rental fees from private businesses operating on military land. Despite signing the 2020 memorandum, only a fraction of the Army's businesses fulfilled their duty to pay rent to the Treasury Department. Disputes have arisen at the House's ad hoc panel on shifting military enterprises to civilian control, with Armed Forces representatives insisting that their interests are not commercial but welfare-based. Military engagement in business is not regulated by law in Thailand - a legacy of a prohibition from a military junta in 1976. Still, the Defense Ministry's jurisdiction indicates over 30 military agencies own shares in several companies, purportedly using dividends for extra income. From banks to airlines and tech companies, these shareholdings show the vast scope of the military's commercial interests. The business interests are so entrenched even army-run television networks, navy metro systems, and military-linked insurance companies are a part of the vast network. TOP: File photo for reference only. -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Meteorological Department Predicts Late May Start for Rainy Season According to the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD), the seas's rainy season is expected to begin in the last week of May. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326209-thailand-meteorological-department-predicts-late-may-start-for-rainy-season/

According to the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD), the seas's rainy season is expected to begin in the last week of May. The department further indicated that rainfall would likely be sparse initially before picking up in June and July. Despite the slow start, total rainfall is predicted to surpass the previous year's levels. In an interview on "Around the Corner with Meteorology", TMD's Director-General, Kanrawee Sitticheewaphak, outlined the forecast for the 2024 rainy season. The exact beginning of this period is dependent on the wind direction, which will confirm the precise start date. Although the season is set to begin, rainfall in May is expected to remain minimal. The TMD explained that the declaration of the rainy season is based on specific meteorological conditions, namely the shift to southwest monsoon winds and an upper-level wind direction change. The department also forecasts intense summer storms in the next seven days, with temperatures reaching up to 44°C. While the sparse rainfall in May may seem confusing, it stresses that seasonal conditions don't necessarily mean immediate heavy rains. From June onwards, precipitation is expected to increase, continuing until the end of the rainy season, around October 2024. This general outlook suggests an overall improvement in rainfall compared to the previous year. However, rainfall will not be evenly distributed, with varying amounts across different regions. This forecast holds importance for farmers and those in the agricultural sector, who rely on seasonal rains for crop cultivation. It also alerts urban areas prone to potential flooding, assisting in adequate preparations. As Thailand prepares for the incoming rainy season, the TMD continues to closely monitor weather patterns and will provide frequent updates. -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Residents Struggle Amidst Dropping Water Reservoir Levels Lam Takhong reservoir. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand is grappling with a significant drop in water levels in the Lam Takhong Reservoir and Lam Mun River, possibly leading to water shortages. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326208-thai-residents-struggle-amidst-dropping-water-reservoir-levels/

Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand is grappling with a significant drop in water levels in the Lam Takhong Reservoir and Lam Mun River, possibly leading to water shortages. With the reservoir containing just 35.38% of its capacity, water scarcity is becoming a stark reality due to drought and high heat. Lam Takhong Reservoir, a critical water source for five regional districts, now only hold 111.25 million cubic metres, which is a dramatic downtick from 204.63 million or 65.07% capacity last year, according to the provincial irrigation project. The reservoir sends 259,000 cubic meters of water daily for tap water production and the ecosystem's sustenance. However, current usable water in Lam Takhong stands at 88.53 million cubic metres, or around 30.3% capacity. Despite this, only 8.23% of annual rainfall has occurred this year, lowering the water level and demanding careful management and consumption. Simultaneously, the Lam Mun River in Phimai district, a pivotal water source for local villages and crops, has seen a deep dip in its water level due to persistent heat. The exceedingly dry river has alarmed residents about potential water scarcities. Phimai district chief Siwasek Sinthoram assessed the situation at the Nong Laengthao reservoir, which currently holds about 30% capacity. Authorities plan to channel water from this reservoir into canals for residents during the impending dry season, confident that this water source and upstream Phimai Dam areas will suffice for residents' tap water needs throughout the dry period. TOP: Lam Takhong reservoir. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 30 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326204-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-30-april-2024/

Police arrested two suspects in a 70 billion baht call-center scam. A Thai and Mr. Chen, a Chinese national, managed digital wallets and converted currency to cash. Authorities seized 11 million baht in cash and assets worth over 42 million baht. They were part of a syndicate based in Cambodia. Authorities believe Mr. Chen used an Elite Card visa to hide his criminal activities. Police earlier arrested five call centre scammers involved in creating a fake Facebook page designed to attract potential victims. The Royal Thai Navy has stationed four ships on alert in the Andaman Sea, ready to evacuate Thai citizens from Myanmar if the civil conflict there intensifies. Tensions along the border between Mae Sot and Myawaddy have eased after heavy fighting in recent weeks.. Thailand and Brunei signed two MOU’s yesterday in Bangfkok to boost trade and tourism cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to Asean and would work towards expanding flight routes between both countries. Authorities will issue a summons for suspended deputy national police chief Surachate Hakparn and four other police officers, The announcement came after a new panel met to investigate the five officers accused of being connected with a gambling website. And a well known British expat Colin Hastings died yesterday following a road accident in Sattahip Chonburi, Colin was the owner and publisher of the renowned Big Chilli magazine and had been living in Thailand for almost 40 years. Around the region In Malaysia the KFC fast-food franchise has suspended operations of 108 outlets nationwide, The closure came after months of a pro-Palestine boycott of US-linked businesses triggered by the ongoing war in Gaza. Myanmar recorded its highest-ever April temperature of 48.2 deg C yesterday WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 41 C Bangkok: Sunny 39C Pattaya: Sunny light cloud 35C Phuket and the south: cloud sweeping across the south, Showers, 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, 36 C AQIYellow to Orange, moderate to high 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 2024-04-30 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

King Cobra Panic During Chiang Rai Rafting Trip File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia Visitors on a rafting expedition at Mae Suai Dam in Chiang Rai were thrown into panic after encountering a large king cobra. Shared on social media by Phatcharaphon Prombon, the nerve-racking event quickly generated widespread online discussions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326203-king-cobra-panic-during-chiang-rai-rafting-trip/

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia Visitors on a rafting expedition at Mae Suai Dam in Chiang Rai were thrown into panic after encountering a large king cobra. Shared on social media by Phatcharaphon Prombon, the nerve-racking event quickly generated widespread online discussions. The group, including the social media user popularly known as King, were enjoying a relaxing day on the water when shouts about an incoming snake startled them. King couldn't initially spot the reptile but immediately alerted her friends to leave the water as the cries from the other bank intensified and the snake floated past them. It eventually got trapped under a nearby raft. Another group of tourists bravely undertook capturing the snake, a task that proved difficult due to the cobra's location. Upon recognizing the reptile as a king cobra, the group's fear escalated. Once the snake was secured, everyone hastily gathered their belongings and left the scene, their outing now marred by the unexpected, scary event. The incident sparked various reactions on social media, with many commenting on the harrowing video and emphasizing the necessity for caution during outdoor activities in wildlife-rich areas. In a related development, Thailand's private possession of wild animals, particularly lions, is under public scrutiny following a number of sightings in public places, raising concerns about safety and animal welfare. -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Devastating Road Accident in Phetchaburi Ends Family Trip in Tragedy File photo for reference only. PHETCHABURI, Thailand - A gruesome vehicle accident took place yesterday in Phetchaburi's Khao Yoi district seriously wounding an 11-year-old boy and hospitalizing a family of four. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326202-devastating-road-accident-in-phetchaburi-ends-family-trip-in-tragedy/

File photo for reference only. PHETCHABURI, Thailand - A gruesome vehicle accident took place yesterday in Phetchaburi's Khao Yoi district seriously wounding an 11-year-old boy and hospitalizing a family of four. The driver, identified as Kai, dozed off while driving causing their van to slam into a roadside metal barrier. The collision was severe, leading to a metal fragment puncturing the van, creating a dangerous situation for the passengers inside. The Khao Yoi Police promptly informed emergency services from Khao Yoi Hospital and the Sawang Sarnphet Thammasathan Foundation, who rushed to the scene. The rescue team found a bronze Toyota van impaled by a steel rod and needed hydraulic tools to free the trapped family. The 11-year-old boy suffered serious head injuries from the metal rod and was rushed to Phra Chom Klao Hospital for urgent treatment. His 4-year-old sister and mother, both also onboard, suffered minor injuries. The driver, Kai, admitted to feeling sluggish and losing consciousness briefly due to lack of sleep, which led to the accident. Police Colonel Thip Khengkum, emphasized the risk of driving while tired as a cause of many serious road accidents. The ongoing investigation and this heartbreaking incident have highlighted the importance of road safety, including the dangers of driving while fatigued. It has also triggered community conversations about enhanced safety measures on highways to avoid such tragedies in the future. TOP File photo for reference only. -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Airways Faces Backlash Over Business-class Seat fiasco File photo for reference only. Thai Airways is being criticized after a passenger claims he and his clients received poor service, despite having expensive business-class tickets for a flight to Beijing. The passenger, Treerat Sirichantaropas, has publicly expressed his disillusionment and is considering legal action after experiencing issues with seats that could not recline or convert into beds. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326199-thai-airways-faces-backlash-over-business-class-seat-fiasco/

Thai Airways is being criticized after a passenger claims he and his clients received poor service, despite having expensive business-class tickets for a flight to Beijing. The passenger, Treerat Sirichantaropas, has publicly expressed his disillusionment and is considering legal action after experiencing issues with seats that could not recline or convert into beds. The airline's attempt to appease Mr. Sirichantaropas, with a compensation of 5,500 baht, was rebuffed. Mr. Sirichantaropas instead plans to sue the airline’s management, appealing for their resignation over failure to resolve repeated complaints. He also plans to file a complaint with the Transport Commission to prevent such defects occurring on Thai Airways flights. His viral post has ignited a conversation about the airline’s management, accountability, service commitment, and the strain these issues place on the airline’s employees. Mr. Sirichantaropas, a regular customer, claimed that the airline’s disregard of customer service and neglect were affecting passengers’ comfort and employees' morale. This incident has negatively impacted Thai Airways’ reputation, creating doubts about their service quality. The unfolding events invite increased scrutiny from the public and regulatory bodies. The outcome of this case may influence how customer complaints and operational failures are handled in the aviation industry, particularly with national carriers, whose standards are seen to represent those of the country. TOP File photo for reference only. -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Extreme Heat Deters Tourists at Jomtien Beach File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia commons The rising summer heat in Thailand has resulted in fewer visitors to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. The number of visitors enjoying the beach has indeed dipped, as observed on April 28th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326197-extreme-heat-deters-tourists-at-jomtien-beach/

The rising summer heat in Thailand has resulted in fewer visitors to Jomtien Beach in Pattaya. The number of visitors enjoying the beach has indeed dipped, as observed on April 28th. Several factors could be causing the decline, including the post-Songkran holiday season and notably, the escalating temperatures. The thermometer in Pattaya and the Banglamung district has been nearing the 40-degree Celsius mark, and this could be discouraging many from visiting the beach. When beach business owners were asked about the situation, they expressed hope of an upcoming increase in visitors during the National Labor Day holiday on May 1st and subsequent weekends. However, they voiced concerns about their income status, describing it as only enough to get by. They also revealed the current clientele as predominantly locals, with a minimal number of foreign and local tourists. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia commons -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Coral Reefs Face Severe Damage from Climate Change File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia Thon Thamrongnawasawat, an experienced marine biologist, reports with alarm the severe changes happening in Thailand's coral reefs due to climate change. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326196-thailands-coral-reefs-face-severe-damage-from-climate-change/

Thon Thamrongnawasawat, an experienced marine biologist, reports with alarm the severe changes happening in Thailand's coral reefs due to climate change. Thon shared his observations on Facebook, reminiscing about the vibrant marine life these reefs used to shelter, and warned about the extensive harm caused by global warming over the past six years. Increasing sea temperatures have resulted in unusually low tides and high sunlight intensity, consequently causing widespread coral bleaching. Despite attempts to recover, ongoing heat and solar exposure have caused significant coral death. Under normal conditions, recovery could happen within 7-8 years, but current environmental hazards have made it difficult. Warming water events have progressively weakened the corals, triggering a steady loss of habitat. The corals that remain and the marine life they support face a bleak future unless water temperatures decrease. Thon's posts reveal the serious state of thousands of reefs across Thailand and the potential extinction of a multimillion-year-old ecosystem known for its beauty and biodiversity. He urged people to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and embrace eco-friendly practices, like utilizing less waste, avoiding endangered species consumption, and promoting sustainable businesses, to help alleviate this marine calamity. Public reaction to this crisis has been a combination of distress and resolve. While some are overwhelmed by climate change’s vast implications, others remain committed to protecting the ocean. Thon believes that immediate action to address climate change and safeguard the oceans is essential, as Thailand’s coral reefs' very survival hangs in the balance, with the chance to save them fast disappearing. File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

French Woman Found Shot Dead in Her Luxury Villa Picture: Courtesy of AMARIN TV A French businesswoman, Catherine Delacot, was discovered dead from a gunshot wound at her luxury villa on Koh Samui. She was found lying beside a swimming pool with a .45 caliber handgun nearby, leading authorities to believe it to be a case of suicide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326195-french-woman-found-shot-dead-in-her-luxury-villa/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 30 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1326193-thailand-live-tuesday-30-april-2024/

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A French businesswoman, Catherine Delacot, was discovered dead from a gunshot wound at her luxury villa on Koh Samui. She was found lying beside a swimming pool with a .45 caliber handgun nearby, leading authorities to believe it to be a case of suicide. Delacot's body was discovered by Somporn Bunsert, a pool maintenance worker, who arrived for work at 8 a.m. He noted Delacot's friendly nature, frequently engaging in a friendly banter with him. According to Natthawalai Phupongta, 49, the housekeeper, the victim had settled their salaries and had planned a meeting with her and two assistants to discuss several complex matters. She revealed that Delacot had recently recovered from cancer and had undergone a separation from her husband. The police found Delacot's will, which included the housekeeper as an inheritant. The absence of any signs of forced entry into the villa and the presence of gunpowder residue on Delacot's left wrist have further supported the suicide theory. The handgun in question was purchased after several robberies at the villa. Natthawalai's statements to the police also mentioned that Delacot had asked for her ID card and household registration copies, suggesting forethought in the distribution of her property. Additionally, the victim had sent messages to her friends intimating them of her decision to include Natthawalai in her will. The local police believe that Delacot committed suicide given her actions leading up to the incident, which included sending goodbye messages to acquaintances and making salary payments. The security camera overlooking the pool had also been adjusted. Delacot owned a second villa in Mae Nam subdistrict. The housekeeper has decided to arrange for a Thai-style funeral for her late employer. Picture: Courtesy of AMARIN TV -- 2024-04-30 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

A cabinet shake-up by Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin may lead to significant amendments to the cannabis bill. This comes after former Justice Minister Somsak Thepsuthin replaced Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew. Thailand's Cabinet Reshuffle Fuels Possibility for Marijuana Reform Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326172-thailands-cabinet-reshuffle-fuels-possibility-for-marijuana-reform/

Thailand Customs to Apply VAT on All Postal Imports File photo for reference only Thailand's Customs Department will start charging Value-Added Tax (VAT) on all imported postal goods next month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326152-thailand-customs-to-apply-vat-on-all-postal-imports/

Thailand's Customs Department will start charging Value-Added Tax (VAT) on all imported postal goods next month. The move comes in response to the influx of cheap imports from China, which have an unfair advantage over domestically taxed goods. At present, imports sent via post aren't subject to VAT or import duties if each item's cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value is less than 1,500 baht. However, plans from the Finance Ministry intend to enforce VAT collection on all imported goods, regardless of their value, but continue to exempt import duties. According to Lavaron Sangsnit, the finance permanent secretary, this new tax policy will be established quickly by the Customs Department, which is a swifter approach than revising the Revenue Code. Nevertheless, the VAT-exempt rule will not apply to prohibited items, Sangsnit added. The source from the Finance Ministry revealed that each country sets its VAT threshold based on its economy. In Thailand, the limit was raised from 1,000 to 1,500 baht per item in 2018. Figures indicate that Thailand records more than 30 million parcel imports every year, with over half of these parcels claiming CIF values of less than 1,500 baht. Significant amounts of cheap goods are driven by online platforms retailing Chinese goods. However, assessing the tax on each individually boxed item is a daunting task for customs officers, opening the need to devise effective methods of tax collection on low-cost goods. File photo for reference only

Israel-Iran Conflict Could Impact Thai Economy File photo for reference only The Israeli-Iranian conflict poses a significant risk to the Thai economy up to the second quarter. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326151-israel-iran-conflict-could-impact-thai-economy/