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Thai baht expected to weaken against US dollar by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of t0.gstatic The Thai baht is expected to weaken to an estimated 37.20 baht against the US dollar later this week, due to the continued Middle East tensions, says Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research). The economic indicators from the US, due for release this week, are also predicted to bolster the dollar’s strength. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325699-thai-baht-expected-to-weaken-against-us-dollar/

The Thai baht is expected to weaken to an estimated 37.20 baht against the US dollar later this week, due to the continued Middle East tensions, says Kasikorn Research Centre (K-Research). The economic indicators from the US, due for release this week, are also predicted to bolster the dollar’s strength. Monday morning trading saw the Thai currency quoted at 36.97 baht to the greenback, the lowest in half a year. This was followed by a minor rally to 36.94-96 baht, in comparison to Friday’s close of 36.86 baht. The weakened state of the baht is attributed to the global gold price drop and the fluctuations of the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen. The US dollar, viewed as the most secure currency, has seen an increase in strength due to the persisting Middle East crisis and the possibility that the Federal Reserve will not be hasty to lower interest rates, given the robust performance of the US economy. The ongoing Middle East conflict and a robust dollar have had a significant impact on the baht, which has depreciated 7.6% year to date, stated Kanjana Chockpisansin, the head of research in the banking and financial sector at K-Research. The baht’s weakness is second only to the yen in the region, which has seen an 8.8% drop year to date. The South Korean won has also depreciated by 6.4% this year, as per K-Research’s data. The market’s expectations for rate cuts in the US and other developed economies have been scaled back due to comments from Fed officials and higher-than-expected inflation data last week. The US is scheduled to announce first-quarter GDP figures on Thursday and the core Personal Consumption Expenditure price index, known for tracking inflation, on Friday, said Kanjana. “If the US economic indicators exceed the market’s expectations, they increase the chance that the Fed would keep the rates higher for longer. This would result in a stronger dollar and put further pressure on the baht to depreciate. “K-Research, in line with the views of Kasikornbank, maintains that the US central bank would decrease rates at least twice this year.” Kanjana noted that K-Research anticipates the baht to fluctuate between 36.70 to 37.20 baht to the dollar this week, based on the expectation that geopolitical concerns are unlikely to dissipate quickly, reported Bangkok Post. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of t0.gstatic Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Russian to respect: Phuket hospital calls for law-abiding visitors byf Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Phuket News Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325579-phuket-hospital-appeals-for-respectful-conduct-from-russian-patients/?do=findComment&comment=18863486

Russian to respect: Phuket hospital calls for law-abiding visitors byf Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Phuket News Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Recent episodes include a Russian man refusing to settle his medical bills, and a woman threatening hospital staff with a baseball bat. A man of Russian nationality was arrested on April 19 for intimidating the staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital and declining to pay his outstanding medical bill. The hospital has declared it will not tolerate such conduct. The letter appealing to the Russian community in Phuket was signed by Methavee Maneesri, the Head of the International Department at Vachira Phuket Hospital. “Dear Russian Community in Phuket, please find the attached information from the police daily record regarding an incident [that occurred at Vachira Phuket Hospital]. The behaviour described in the report is unacceptable to us. I am ready to assist and cooperate with anyone involved in medical cases, provided they adhere to standard procedures and respect public laws and regulations.” Methavee stressed the importance of respecting hospital procedures and public laws. She also reminded everyone that healthcare services are not free, encouraging everyone to have medical or work insurance and adhere to the waiting in a queue like Thai nationals do. The letter, dated April 20, was sent to The Phuket News with a request to share the information in Novosti Phuketa, the Russian-language sister newspaper of The Phuket News. Outstanding bill Included with the letter was a copy of a Phuket City Police report corroborating Methavee’s complaint about an incident involving a threatening Russian patient. According to this report and Methavee’s account, a 48 year old Russian patient, Sergey Chent, received treatment on April 17 and left without paying his bill totalling 8,380 baht. On April 19, Chent returned to Vachira Phuket Hospital for another medical consultation. Methavee and other hospital staff requested him to pay the outstanding bill of 8,380 baht. Chent refused to pay and threatened the staff, bragging about his connections with high-ranking police officers, influence, and wealth. He was accompanied by a woman carrying a baseball bat, according to the police report. “They also brought weapons, a baseball bat, into the hospital. He displayed threatening behaviour towards the officers and showed that he knew the police and caused chaos within the hospital.” Police officers from Phuket City Police Station, located about 700 metres from Vachira Phuket Hospital, arrived and restored order. Chent was taken to Phuket City Police Station where he agreed to pay the hospital bill of 8,380 baht. It remains unclear whether the police filed charges against Chent or the woman with the baseball bat. Methavee, in her official police complaint, demanded legal action against Chent and the woman because of their behaviour at the hospital. Methavee explained that this incident was not a misunderstanding. She said the Russian man “wanted to scare her, behaved like mafia, claimed to have many businesses in Phuket, and know big people.” PM visit “I want to inform the Russian community that its members should not behave like this man. Please, stay in Phuket in peace and maintain good relationships.” This incident occurred around the same time as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s visit to Region 8 Police Headquarters in Phuket. The 62 year old prime minister emphasised the importance of enforcing laws impartially, particularly against influential foreigners who consider themselves above the law. “Do not let foreign mafia settle down in your area of responsibility and destroy the investment attractiveness of the region. Ask local officials and politicians to keep an eye on foreigners. Do not let misbehaving foreigners destroy your credibility. “Nowadays, society places more importance on the issue of foreign businesspeople coming to operate in the area illegally. Please ramp up the inspections and do your job with tourism confidence in mind. I am specifically entrusting you to deal with those ‘big people’ demonstrating mafia behaviour. Don’t limit your effort to catching small fish only. The law must be enforced correctly, fairly, and strictly.” Prime Minister Srettha was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police General Kitirath Panphet; Assistant Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police Lt. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, and Commissioner of the Tourist Police Lt. Gen. Saksira Phueakam. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Rising heat and drought threaten mango cultivation in Prachuap Khiri Khan By Online Reporter Mango farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan are facing severe challenges due to unusually hot weather and water shortages, threatening the cultivation of the prized Nam Dok Mai Si Thong mango variety. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325698-rising-heat-and-drought-threaten-mango-cultivation-in-prachuap-khiri-khan/

Mango farmers in Prachuap Khiri Khan are facing severe challenges due to unusually hot weather and water shortages, threatening the cultivation of the prized Nam Dok Mai Si Thong mango variety. Veteran farmer and local exporter, Mr. Panom Samphueak, reports significant impacts on crop yields and export quality due to the harsh climatic conditions. With over three decades of experience, 61-year-old Mr. Samphueak, a founding member of the off-season mango exporter group in Ao Noi, noted a disturbing trend over the past two years. The region has endured extreme temperatures and dry spells, significantly reducing water availability. “Previously, we could induce flowering three times a year,” Mr. Samphueak said. “Now, it has dropped to just twice, and the lack of sufficient water has stunted the growth of our mangoes.” By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Second phase of Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project approved by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Wikipedia The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has given the green light for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase, which spans from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, has an investment total of 341.35 billion baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325697-second-phase-of-thai-chinese-high-speed-rail-project-approved/

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has given the green light for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase, which spans from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, has an investment total of 341.35 billion baht. Details were shared by SRT governor, Nirut Maneepan, who disclosed that the project’s approval occurred during a recent board meeting. Chirute Visalachitra, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), presided over the meeting. This ambitious project, a joint venture between Thailand and China, seeks to establish a rail system between Bangkok and Nong Khai, covering a distance of 607 kilometres. The upcoming second phase will span an impressive 357.12 kilometres from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. The planned route is split into two sections: a 202.48-kilometre elevated structure and a 154.64-kilometre ground-level railway. Five stations are included in the development plan, namely Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. The next step for the SRT is to present the project to the Transport Ministry, which will then propose it to the cabinet for approval within the year. The civil engineering aspect of the project is slated for completion within four years, with the electric rail system construction estimated to take an additional five and a half years. The anticipated operation commencement for the train service is set for 2031. Significantly, the civil engineering design for the project’s second phase has already been completed. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) report also received the green light from an Environmental Impact Assessment Division committee on February 16. In addition to the rail project, the SRT board has also endorsed the idea of having a company invest in the Natha cross dock in Nong Khai, which is part of the train project’s second phase, reported Bangkok Post. Only last week, Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote revealed that SRT soon expects the closure of the final chapters in the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway’s first phase. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Wikipedia Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Deputy police chief charges Thai prime minister with malfeasance by Mitch Connor Thailand Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn charged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with malfeasance, claiming that the prime minister’s actions led to his suspension and thwarted his path to becoming the next national police chief. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325644-embattled-deputy-police-chief-claims-pm-has-abused-authority/?do=findComment&comment=18863412

Deputy police chief charges Thai prime minister with malfeasance by Mitch Connor Thailand Deputy National Police Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn charged Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin with malfeasance, claiming that the prime minister’s actions led to his suspension and thwarted his path to becoming the next national police chief. Big Joke took his complaint to the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and addressed it to its secretary-general, Niwatchai Kasemmongkol. He also held a press conference at the same location. Big Joke told journalists that the Thai prime minister had previously transferred him to the Prime Minister’s Office for a 60-day investigation into his alleged involvement in money-laundering activities related to the BNK Master gambling website. However, he was returned to the Royal Thai Police Office and subsequently suspended from duty on April 18. The day after his suspension, police interrogators submitted his case to the NACC, Surachate shared. The 53 year old deputy police chief asserted that if his case had initially been presented to the NACC, he would have been deemed innocent until proven guilty. According to the law, he could not have been transferred out of the police force during this period. Big Joke claimed that there was a concerted effort to persecute him, and his suspension had provided him with sufficient time to launch legal actions against his adversaries. “Please be prepared.” On the same day, he also requested the NACC to look into possible malfeasance by the police interrogators who filed the online gambling case against him. He suggested that the interrogators, rather than the NACC, initially handled the case due to a scheme to prevent him from becoming the next national police chief. Big Joke pointed out that he was the most senior among prospective successors to the current National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol, who is set to retire at the end of September. In response, Prime Minister Srettha stated at Government House that the Royal Thai Police Office had recommended Big Joke’s suspension. He argued that if he had obstructed the suspension, he would have been accused of malfeasance. The 62 year old Srettha asserted that the case followed the law and was devoid of bias, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Parents plead for justice after daughter found dead in Khon Kaen by Nattapong Westwood Cassava. File photo courtesy of FreePick In a tragic revelation today, the parents of a 30 year old woman who was discovered murdered and stuffed in a sack in a cassava field, have expressed their belief that three men are responsible for their daughter’s death. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325696-parents-plead-for-justice-after-daughter-found-dead-in-khon-kaen/

In a tragic revelation today, the parents of a 30 year old woman who was discovered murdered and stuffed in a sack in a cassava field, have expressed their belief that three men are responsible for their daughter’s death. The couple, still reeling from their loss, is urgently calling for the authorities to track down the culprits as they seek justice for their daughter, Sasithornthorn, and the future security of her two young children. The case, which is currently under intense investigation by the police, was escalated after Sasithornthorn’s parents reported unsettling dreams in which their daughter seemed to communicate details about her attackers. The incident occurred in Khon Kaen province, where Deputy Provincial Police Chief, Preecha Kengsarikit, along with other law enforcement officials, convened to expedite the investigation into the murder. Sasithornthorn’s body was discovered on March 19 in a state of decomposition, wrapped in a fertiliser sack and a mat, and left in a water channel of a cassava plantation in Hua Na Kham Subdistrict, Kranuan District. The victim’s father, 58 year old, Khamsai, and her mother, 55 year old Sukon, have been left to care for their grandchildren, the eldest being in sixth grade and the youngest in kindergarten. Khamsai recounted how the family had to cremate their daughter on March 21, just three days after her body was discovered. Sasithorn had a history of not staying at home regularly. Following the break-up with her former partner, she moved in with a new boyfriend, a car mechanic, in the Nong No marketplace, only to separate later. Despite the distance, Sasithorn regularly sent money home to support her parents and her children’s living and educational expenses. The last time the family had contact with Sasithorn was through a phone call, where she mentioned working at a resort and staying there as well. Bad dream Simultaneously, the news reporter visited the deceased’s family home and learned that Sasithorn had appeared in their dreams, not only to her parents but to relatives in Bangkok, implying that three men were involved in her murder. These dreams eerily matched accounts from other villagers, further convincing the family of multiple assailants. Khamsai expressed a desire for the maximum punishment for the perpetrators if caught, emphasising the void that Sasithornthorn’s death has left in the care of her children. Adding to the heartbreak, Sukon shared that the last conversation she had with her daughter was on March 8, and everything seemed normal. The following morning, however, all calls to Sasithorn went unanswered. Before the police confirmed her death, Sukon dreamt of Sasithorn returning home on a motorcycle, concerned about her children’s welfare and leaving money for them. It is a haunting reminiscence that reinforces the family’s plea for swift justice. The police, with evidence including a motorcycle helmet and a credit card found near the body, are working diligently to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime, as a community mourns and a family awaits closure. The authorities are urged to leave no stone unturned in their quest to bring Sasithornthorn’s killers to justice and restore a sense of safety to the grief-stricken family and the local community at large, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood Cassava. File photo courtesy of FreePick Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Khao Yai’s Haew Narok Waterfall dries amid Thailand drought by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Oleksandr Sushko from unsplash.com Khao Yai National Park‘s iconic Haew Narok Waterfall has run dry due to prolonged drought conditions, leaving tourists with alternative picturesque natural viewpoints to enjoy. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325694-khao-yai’s-haew-narok-waterfall-dries-amid-thailand-drought/

Khao Yai National Park‘s iconic Haew Narok Waterfall has run dry due to prolonged drought conditions, leaving tourists with alternative picturesque natural viewpoints to enjoy. Amid rising concerns from visitors about the state of the park’s waterfalls, the head of Khao Yai National Park, Chaiya Huai Hong Thong, confirmed the impact of the dry season on the water flow. Chaiya elucidated that April marks the height of the dry season, characterised by scorching temperatures and a significant lack of rainfall, which has resulted in the drying up of streams that feed the Haew Narok Waterfall. Consequently, only small pools of water remain in the rock basins below the waterfall, a stark contrast to the rainy season when Haew Narok is a majestic five-tiered cascade, plunging over 200 metres with a thunderous roar. Despite the current absence of waterfalls, Chaiya was reassured that the park’s forest trails and scenic bridges spanning streams still offer a verdant and tranquil experience. Visitors can capture the beauty of the landscape from various vantage points, including the solitary cliff (Pha Diao Dai), the heart-stirring Pha Trom Jai viewpoint, or the serene Sai Sorn Reservoir Additionally, the park’s visitor centre provides a relaxing space for guests to learn about the park’s natural wonders and view photographs of different events and scenic spots within the park. The drought’s adverse effects on Khao Yai’s waterfalls emphasise the broader environmental challenges facing Thailand’s natural attractions. However, the resilience of the park’s ecosystems and the alternative attractions available testify to the enduring appeal of Khao Yai National Park as a destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Park officials continue to monitor the situation closely, hoping for the return of the rains that will restore the waterfalls to their full glory. Meanwhile, they encourage visitors to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife that the park offers, ensuring that Khao Yai remains a top destination for those seeking the beauty and serenity of Thailand’s natural environment, reported Khaosod. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Scorching heatwave cooks up egg-splosive price surge in Thailand by Mitch Connor Picture of Amphol Saenna sorting out duck eggs at his farm in the Mueang district in Khon Kaen province courtesy of Bangkok Post The sweltering heatwave cooking Thailand’s poultry industry has hatched a price surge in duck eggs, scrambling to 4.60 baht each in Khon Kaen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325691-scorching-heatwave-cooks-up-egg-splosive-price-surge-in-thailand/

The sweltering heatwave cooking Thailand’s poultry industry has hatched a price surge in duck eggs, scrambling to 4.60 baht each in Khon Kaen. This unexpected cluck was laid out by The Layer Duck Farmers Association today, April 22, joining a recent 20 satang rise in chicken egg prices to 3.60 baht each last week, resulting in a sunny-side-up increase of nearly 6%. Farmers attribute the increasing prices to a dwindling supply caused by the persistent heat, which places undue stress on the poultry, resulting in reduced egg production, reported Bangkok Post. One such farmer, Amphol Saenna, from Khon Kaen province, reported a significant drop in his birds’ output. His flock, usually yielding an average of 800 eggs daily, is now producing around 600 eggs, “The extremely hot weather has put the ducks off their food.” Saenna expressed hope for a return to normal production levels once the weather cools down. In related news, a significant reduction in Thailand’s sugarcane yield in the 2023–24 crop year has been reported by the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB). This decrease in production is attributed to severe drought conditions and is expected to have an impact on the worldwide sugar supply. Thailand is the second-largest exporter of sugar globally, following Brazil. Therefore, any decrease in its production could cause strain on the global market. A representative of the farmers on the board, Verasak Kwanmuang, revealed that sugarcane harvests had decreased by 11.7 million tonnes from the previous crop year, with an output of 93.9 million tonnes. The total amount of cane delivered by farmers to sugar factories for crushing in the 2023–24 crop year was 82.2 million tonnes. Of this, 70% was comprised of fresh sugar cane, and the remaining 30% was burned cane. The 2023-24 crop year saw 57 sugar mills generating 8.77 million tonnes of sugar and 3.55 tonnes of molasses. Each tonne of sugar cane produced 107 kilogrammes of sugar, with a commercial cane sugar sweetness index of 12.35. by Mitch Connor TOP Picture of Amphol Saenna sorting out duck eggs at his farm in the Mueang district in Khon Kaen province courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Taxi Motorbike Rider Surrenders after Stabbing Another Rider in Phuket Town By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket, Thailand – In a recent incident that unfolded in Phuket Town, a taxi motorbike rider has turned himself in to the local authorities after allegedly injuring another taxi rider during a dispute over a customer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325689-taxi-motorbike-rider-surrenders-after-stabbing-another-rider-in-phuket-town/

Phuket, Thailand – In a recent incident that unfolded in Phuket Town, a taxi motorbike rider has turned himself in to the local authorities after allegedly injuring another taxi rider during a dispute over a customer. The incident occurred on Sunday, April 21st, near the Fresh Market 1 (Baan San Market) on Ranong Road in the Talad Yai sub-district. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene on the day of the incident, where they found the victim, identified only as, Mr. Thiwa, a 65-year-old taxi motorbike rider, suffering from stab wounds to his chest and belly. He was bleeding profusely and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The suspect, identified only as Mr. Jumphon, also a 65-year-old motorbike taxi rider, had already fled the scene. Later, Mr. Jumphon voluntarily surrendered to the police, bringing with him the knife allegedly used in the stabbing. During questioning, he explained that he operates a taxi motorbike stall. On the day of the incident, a loyal customer arrived, but Mr. Jumphon was not present at the stall. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai conscientious objector risks jail in rare refusal of military service Young men are forced to take part in conscript lottery, but the rich often avoid serving in army by Rebecca Ratcliffe Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal in 2016. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA/Shutterstock Every April in Thailand young men take part in a lottery to determine whether they will be forced to do military service. Pull out a red card and you are drafted for up to two years. A black card means you are exempt. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325687-thai-conscientious-objector-risks-jail-in-rare-refusal-of-military-service/

Young men are forced to take part in conscript lottery, but the rich often avoid serving in army Every April in Thailand young men take part in a lottery to determine whether they will be forced to do military service. Pull out a red card and you are drafted for up to two years. A black card means you are exempt. When it was Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal’s turn to draw a card this month, he refused, making a rare protest as a conscientious objector. If prosecuted, it is believed he could become the first person in Thailand to be imprisoned for avoiding the draft through civil disobedience. The offence carries a maximum sentence of three years. “I’m very anxious. When I’m sleeping, I am thinking about whether I will have to go to jail. I will lose a lot of things – I already have a business now. I will lose everything,” Netiwit, 27, told the Observer. But he added: “I think someone has to do this, to show that we have a problem.” Netiwit said the system was outdated, ineffective and unfairly affected the poorest, who were less well placed to find ways to avoid the draft. It was also, he said, part of a wider system that undermined the country’s democracy. The prominent activist first announced his objection to military service as a teenager, after the military seized power in a coup in 2014. It was only last year that the former coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, who later became prime minister, left office, after his party suffered a humiliating electoral defeat. by Rebecca Ratcliffe TOP: Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal in 2016. Photograph: Rungroj Yongrit/EPA/Shutterstock Full story: The Guardian 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Border Security Heightened Amid Myanmar Conflict Surge Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has affirmed his commitment to ensure the protection of Thai citizens amidst the latest round of military flare-ups along the Thai-Myanmar border. Recent clashes near the Second Friendship Bridge in Myawaddy, opposite Thailand's Mae Sot district, have prompted thousands of refugees to flee into Thailand since Friday (Apr 19). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325685-thai-border-security-heightened-amid-myanmar-conflict-surge/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has affirmed his commitment to ensure the protection of Thai citizens amidst the latest round of military flare-ups along the Thai-Myanmar border. Recent clashes near the Second Friendship Bridge in Myawaddy, opposite Thailand's Mae Sot district, have prompted thousands of refugees to flee into Thailand since Friday (Apr 19). Emphasizing Thailand's readiness to act against any threats to its territorial integrity and sovereignty resulting from the Myanmar conflict, Srettha said the situation is being closely monitored, particularly movements near the Second Friendship Bridge. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesman Nikorndej Balankura, also affirmed that Thai security forces have been stationed at various locations along the border to prevent any breach of Thailand’s sovereignty. The ministry is actively coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of people in the border areas and to restore peace and stability. Clashes in Myawaddy began intensifying on Friday evening as opposition forces attempted to take control of the city. The Myanmar military, with more than 200 soldiers currently entrenched near the Moei River checkpoint, has faced assaults from opposition drones dropping explosives. As the fighting rages on in Myawaddy, with Myanmar military forces utilizing helicopters and conducting air strikes against opposition groups, the situation remains critical. The Thai government has prepared disaster relief centers in Mae Sot, Phop Phra, and Mae Ramat districts to aid those affected by the ongoing violence. More than 1,200 people have since crossed over to Thailand since the escalation, seeking safety from the conflict. Source: NNT 2024-04-23 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 23 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325682-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-23-april-2024/

The deputy prime minister announced that the government is ready to endorse the idea of holding the first out of 3 referendums on amending the constitution, Approval of the idea is due to be given today with the first referendum likely to be held in August. The Department of National Parks, will relocate more than 2000 macaques which currently roam around the city of Lop Buri. A new facility is being prepared, officials plan to entice the cheeky monkeys into large cages with around 700 being moved first and the remaining 14 hundred due to be moved early next year. Water shortages continue in Huahin, local residents to the south can report water shortages to a police booth beside the roundabout at Kao Takiab where local authorities have stationed trucks to deliver water to residents the area. Air Asia will increase flights between hua hin and chaingmai from 3rd May until the end of august. Flights will depart daily from Huahin at 12:20 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and leave at 11am on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Around the region Chinese authorities remain on high alert in case of worsening weather, after four people died and 10 others went missing following heavy rain in parts of southern China. The manufacturing city of Guangdong with a population of 12.7 million was worst affected, more than 110 thousand people were re located . WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny 37C Bangkok: Sunny 37C Pattaya: sunny, partly cloudy 36C Phuket and the south: Sunny, also cloudy with thundershowers 33C Hua Hin: Sunny becoming cloudy this afternoon 35 - 36C AQI Orange 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 2024-04-23 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorbike Accident While Volunteering to Drive Blind Person Home By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Two public-spirited female teenagers and one blind person were injured when their motorbike was struck by a minivan on a Pattaya road early Monday morning, April 22nd, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325676-motorbike-accident-while-volunteering-to-drive-blind-person-home/