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Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin led the emergency response to a chemical fire at the Win Progress Co., Ltd. facility in Rayong province. The fire started earlier last week, with its cause still unknown, pending a comprehensive investigation. The incident raised severe safety concerns, leading to the evacuation of 78 residents from adjoining areas. Of these, 39 people, including four individuals with unrelated respiratory ailments, have been moved to local shelters. Win Progress has faced repeated regulatory issues since 2013, resulting in a 2021 court order to dispose of hazardous substances, which the company failed to follow. Consequently, the Department of Industrial Works has now taken over the disposal of the chemical waste to ensure safety and legal conformity. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is monitoring the situation. They concentrate on ensuring public health through air quality tests and speedy chemical waste disposal. Plans are being hashed out to roll out countrywide preventive measures and thorough factory inspections to avert similar future incidents. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Cadmium Waste Transfer Initiated: Environment Safety Assured Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand The government is ready to kick off a major project of moving 270 tonnes of cadmium waste on 29th April. This initiative, under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, involves transporting the waste from J&B Metal Co., Ltd. in Samut Sakhon and Lor LohaThai Metal Co., Ltd. in Bangkok back to Tak province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326125-cadmium-waste-transfer-initiated-environment-safety-assured/

The government is ready to kick off a major project of moving 270 tonnes of cadmium waste on 29th April. This initiative, under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, involves transporting the waste from J&B Metal Co., Ltd. in Samut Sakhon and Lor LohaThai Metal Co., Ltd. in Bangkok back to Tak province. The plan outlines using four trailers from J&B Metal to carry 120 tonnes of cadmium, while Lor LohaThai assigns six large-capacity trucks to transport the remaining 150 tonnes. Rigorous inspections will take place before the vehicles leave to avoid any environmental risks due to leakage or contamination. This relocation marks a part of a larger campaign of moving a total of 12,800 tonnes of hazardous waste from industries in Samut Sakhon and Chonburi to safer storage facilities in Tak. Every day, 30 vehicles will be engaged in this mission, set to last until June 17. During the transfer, the waste will be stored temporarily in nearby warehouses. The disposal site, pit No. 5, is currently under maintenance. The entire process, designed to safely bury and encapsulate the waste, is expected to be finalized by 30th September. The Ministry of Industry assures that all parties involved, including the Department of Industrial Works and the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, are committed to efficient and environment-friendly handling of this operation. Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Brunei Sultan's Thailand Visit to Strengthen Bilateral Relations Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei has plans to visit Thailand from April 28 to 29 at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326124-brunei-sultans-thailand-visit-to-strengthen-bilateral-relations/

Picture courtesy of National News Bureau of Thailand His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei has plans to visit Thailand from April 28 to 29 at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. This official visit marks the 40th year of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Brunei, established since January 1, 1984. During the visit, Sultan Bolkiah is due to meet with Prime Minister Thavisin to discuss cooperation across key sectors. Primary areas of interest include the halal food industry and the petroleum sector. These discussions emphasize the commitment between the two nations towards collaborative growth and economic advancement. Additionally, the visit will see the leaders oversee the signing of a tourist agreement. This pact aims to boost tourism exchanges between Thailand and Brunei by focusing on several tourism aspects. These include wellness, gastronomy, Muslim-friendly practices, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. Through this agreement, the two nations hope to further diversify and strengthen their bilateral relations. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Job Skills Argument Ends in Violence Among Pattaya Builders Picture: Screenshot Construction workers in Pattaya turned violent over a disagreement about who was better at their job on Saturday, April 27th, which resulted in one person being cut with a knife. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326123-job-skills-argument-ends-in-violence-among-pattaya-builders/

Construction workers in Pattaya turned violent over a disagreement about who was better at their job on Saturday, April 27th, which resulted in one person being cut with a knife. The incident was reported to local police at 8:36 PM. Over 10 police rushed to the scene of the incident located in a house in the Nongprue sub-district. There, officers found Mr. Mana Inthachim, 47, who had received multiple knife wounds and was bleeding heavily. The suspect, Mr. Bunlue Sukjai, 48, surrendered to the police at the scene. He was a friend of the victim, and the two had been drinking together before the argument took a violent turn. An eyewitness at the scene identified the men as construction workers and claimed that the argument sparked when a debate over who was better at designing houses escalated. The witness, Mr. Anan, tried unsuccessfully to intervene before Mr. Sukjai attacked Mr. Inthachim with a knife. After receiving on-site medical assistance, the victim was transported to a local hospital. The suspect is in custody and is expected to face charges for the assault. Picture: Screenshot -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Governor Targets Taxi and Tuk-Tuk Overcharging File photo for reference only Bangkok's Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, tackled the issue of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers overcharging and causing traffic obstruction at Central World shopping centre, Pathumwan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326122-bangkok-governor-targets-taxi-and-tuk-tuk-overcharging/

File photo for reference only Bangkok's Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, tackled the issue of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers overcharging and causing traffic obstruction at Central World shopping centre, Pathumwan. Central World receives a high number of daily visitors, making it a prime spot for taxis and tuk-tuks. However, they often block roads and exploit foreign visitors with inflated fares. Despite a special lane designated for taxis and tuk-tuks, these vehicles frequently park for extended periods causing congestion. Governor Sittipunt urged taxi and tuk-tuk drivers to utilise this lane and refrain from longer than necessary parking. Passengers must only hail taxis at three designated Central World locations. Alongside traffic management, penalties for fare exploitation were announced. In partnership with the Thai Department of Land Transport, the Bangkok Government will impose fines on drivers who overcharge or fail to use taxi meters. This move responds to complaints made by embassies from developed countries about taxi fare haggling in Thailand. The Thai Department of Land Transport holds the responsibility for tuk-tuk and taxi fare control, and the Bangkok Government has officially raised the issue of meter problems to them. This initiative aims to resolve these issues for the benefit of both local citizens and foreign tourists. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Double-Decker Bus Carrying Young Workers Overturns in Kanchanaburi KANCHANABURI, Thailand – A fatal accident occurred on April 28, 2024, when a double-decker tour bus carrying young factory workers from Ayutthaya overturned on a mountainous road in Si Sawat, Kanchanaburi Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326116-double-decker-bus-carrying-young-workers-overturns-in-kanchanaburi/

KANCHANABURI, Thailand – A fatal accident occurred on April 28, 2024, when a double-decker tour bus carrying young factory workers from Ayutthaya overturned on a mountainous road in Si Sawat, Kanchanaburi Province. One passenger was killed, and 28 others suffered injuries. The incident took place as the bus was descending Khao Tap Tao. Survivors report smelling burning from beneath the vehicle before it lost control and crossed the barrier. The bus overturned and landed on its side. Rescuers arrived promptly, providing first aid and transporting the injured to Tha Kradan Hospital and Erawan Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital. Two passengers had to be extracted from the wreckage. The bus driver indicated to police that a brake system failure caused the accident. Forensic officials will examine the vehicle to determine the exact cause. The Khao Tap Tao route is known for frequent accidents, particularly involving double-decker buses. The steep, winding nature of the road can lead to brake malfunctions for those unfamiliar with the terrain. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreigner Allegedly Employing at Thai Barber Shop Investigated by Police File photo for reference only Acting on public reports, Patong Police inspected a barbershop in Patong, Thailand amid allegations of an illegal foreign worker. The complaint was received by police on Saturday, April 27th, via online means, leading to an inspection at 2:30 PM. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326115-foreigner-allegedly-employing-at-thai-barber-shop-investigated-by-police/

Acting on public reports, Patong Police inspected a barbershop in Patong, Thailand amid allegations of an illegal foreign worker. The complaint was received by police on Saturday, April 27th, via online means, leading to an inspection at 2:30 PM. However, the inspection found no foreign workers on the premises. Two Thai men and a Thai woman were the only employees present. Hair-styling is a protected occupation in Thailand, meaning foreigners need a work permit and visa, both of which are unattainable for this specific job. Patong Police, despite the initial findings, pledged to keep a close eye on the unnamed shop along with other locations. They further stressed the crucial need for foreign nationals to own a valid work permit to work legally in Thailand. The presence of texts in Arabic and other foreign languages in the shop was explained by the staff to cater to customers, not employees. File photo for reference only -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

6,000 American Sailors Depart Pattaya After Brief Visit Picture: Creative Commons License via Google The United States Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 9, consisting of 6,000 sailors, ended their brief stay in Pattaya on April 28th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326114-6000-american-sailors-depart-pattaya-after-brief-visit/

The United States Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 9, consisting of 6,000 sailors, ended their brief stay in Pattaya on April 28th. The sailors' presence in the city from April 24th to 28th brought a significant increase in commercial activity, particularly to Pattaya’s nightlife district, Walking Street. Local businesses, including bars and restaurants, benefited greatly from this short visit. Sunthorn, owner of a Walking Street go-go bar, expressed his delight at the revival of international tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. He estimated that the sailors' stay helped generate hundreds of millions of baht in revenue for Pattaya. Pattaya Nightlife Business Association’s President, Lisa Hamilton, noted a difference in the sailors' behavior. Instead of just frequenting bars, many sailors were seen shopping in the malls or relaxing on the beach. She attributed this change to either the city's warm weather or the US Navy's regulations aiming to avoid any undesirable incidents. Kai and Chris, owner and manager of another local go-go bar, concurred with Sunthorn's opinions. They also saw a significant business uptick during the sailors' visit and thanked the Pattaya authorities for their efforts to boost local tourism. Picture: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Wetland Forest Park for Bangkok Residents Picture: Creative Commons License via Google The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is converting an 86-rai land area in the Bung Kum district, located on Bangkok's eastern side, into a wetland forest for public recreation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326113-new-wetland-forest-park-for-bangkok-residents/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is converting an 86-rai land area in the Bung Kum district, located on Bangkok's eastern side, into a wetland forest for public recreation. This land was originally known as Klong Lam Bung Kum, used as a floodwater-retention basin to prevent flooding. Over time, it evolved into a public park, becoming a favourite spot for locals for exercise, relaxation, and leisure activities, especially due to its rich ecology and link with surrounding communities. The wetland forest lies conveniently close to two other public parks, Seri Thai Park and Navaminphirom Park, further skyrocketing its recreational appeal. The BMA's development plans for the site encompass a 3,060-meter long asphalt walkway and a 420-meter waterside walkway with security barriers, along with significant landscaping works. The plans also include the addition of more lighting, wastewater treatment provisions, and constraints on vehicle access for public safety. On a recent visit to the site, Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam, along with other BMA officials, emphasized these vehicle restrictions and urged the local district office to enforce prohibitions on activities such as drinking and lighting bonfires in the park for public and environmental safety. In related news, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has championed the 15-minute Pocket Park initiative, leading to the creation of over 100 community green spaces, including the Suan Suk Jai Park. Picture: Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fishing Vessel Catches Fire in Andaman Sea; All Nine Crew Members Rescued Screenshot: Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre: The Sri Thong Pae 7 fishing trawler caught fire, prompting a rescue mission that saved nine crew members in the Andaman Sea. The boat was engulfed in flames during a refuelling operation near the Koh Surin islands, off Phang Nga. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326112-fishing-vessel-catches-fire-in-andaman-sea-all-nine-crew-members-rescued/

The Sri Thong Pae 7 fishing trawler caught fire, prompting a rescue mission that saved nine crew members in the Andaman Sea. The boat was engulfed in flames during a refuelling operation near the Koh Surin islands, off Phang Nga. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC Region 3) rushed to initiate rescue procedures after receiving a distress signal at around 3.30 am. The trawler's crew included two Thai nationals and seven people from Myanmar. Another fishing vessel, the Charn Udom Sombat 1, noticed the burning trawler half an hour later. They managed to promptly evacuate the nine distressed crew members and bring them to safety on land. Post-rescue, the Royal Thai Navy sent out a speed boat to pick up the crew from Charn Udom Sombat 1. They were then taken to a fishing pier in the Khura Buri district. Amongst the rescued, five crew members were injured, including Pairat Pala, a 54-year-old Thai engine mechanic, who sustained severe burns. The precise cause of the fire is currently unknown. In another incident, Thai authorities rescued 97 passengers and 11 crew members from an overnight ferry hit by a fire. The incident occurred on the Koh Charoen 2 ferry en route to Koh Tao from the mainland province of Surat Thani. Top Screenshot: Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Digital Wallet Scheme Subject to Audit Request Picture: Screenshot Democratic Party-list MP Phisit Li-atham has requested the auditor-general to review and provide advice on the government's planned digital wallet scheme. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326111-digital-wallet-scheme-subject-to-audit-request/

Picture: Screenshot Democratic Party-list MP Phisit Li-atham has requested the auditor-general to review and provide advice on the government's planned digital wallet scheme. The scheme which intends to distribute 10,000 baht in digital currency to nearly 50 million eligible Thai nationals is being questioned due to its potential profound impact on the national economy and financial status. Li-atham, also an ex-finance deputy minister, seeks guidance to ensure the scheme is worth the expenditure. Meanwhile, National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Secretary-General Niwatchai Kasemmongkol announced that the commission will need time to analyze the details of the controversial plan. A subcommittee may be instated if more detailed examination is required. Niwatchai affirmed that NACC's role is to scrutinize the integrity of such plans and to launch an investigation if inconsistencies are detected. The Bank of Thailand had advised the government to scale down the proposed 500 billion baht funding to around 150 billion baht. They suggested restricting the beneficiaries to financially disadvantaged individuals, estimating a reduction to about 15 million people. Nevertheless, the government disapproved of this advice, arguing that the cabinet already approved the scheme. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Illegal Bitcoin Mining Operations Busted in Thailand File photo courtesy of Wiki Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) launched a joint operation, uncovering illegal Bitcoin mining centres in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi provinces on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326110-illegal-bitcoin-mining-operations-busted-in-thailand/

File photo courtesy of Wiki Thailand’s Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD) and the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) launched a joint operation, uncovering illegal Bitcoin mining centres in Samut Sakhon and Ratchaburi provinces on Friday. Authorities raided a vegetarian shelter in Samut Sakhon’s Ban Paew district, revealing 187 Bitcoin mining machines. The PEA noticed evidence of electricity meter manipulation, with readings showing lower power usage than the actual amount consumed. The shelter’s caretaker, Sombat Tangnava, was taken into custody. In a parallel operation, officials swooped on a warehouse in Ratchaburi's Muang district. They discovered 465 Bitcoin mining machines and similarly detected meter tampering. The warehouse's caretaker, Kiatkong Tumthong, was also apprehended. Both detainees asserted that they had legally imported the Bitcoin mining machines from China. They claimed they were selling it to the public interested in cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Binance Coin and Dogecoin. The suspects also announced that they were charging each investor 6,200 baht per month for each machine kept in their facilities and an additional 9,000 baht for electricity consumption. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Delayed Start to Rainy Season Forecast in Thailand Photo courtesy THE STAR Thailand's Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season will start one to two weeks later this year, likely in the fourth week of May, and should last through late October. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326109-delayed-start-to-rainy-season-forecast-in-thailand/

Thailand's Meteorological Department predicts that the rainy season will start one to two weeks later this year, likely in the fourth week of May, and should last through late October. Rainfall is expected to be close to average levels, comparable to last year, which saw a 1% higher than average rainfall during the rainy season, yet accumulated 6% more than average throughout the year. For the initial half of the season till July, typical amounts of rain are forecasted. Nevertheless, an increased percentage (5%) of average rainfall is likely from August to late October. However, due to sparse rainfall spread from mid-June to mid-July, water scarcity for agricultural regions, particularly zones outside the irrigation system and prone to drought, is a concern. This situation necessitates efficient water use during this period. From August to October, the country is expected to experience heavy rainstorms and probable tropical cyclones, with a potential for flash floods in several areas. The northeast and the north regions are anticipated to be hit by one to two tropical cyclones in August and September. In October, the North and Northeast will see an ebb in rains and mornings will start to turn colder. However, more than half of the Central, Eastern, and Southern regions are predicted to continue experiencing heavy rains, including possible torrential downpours. This is attributed to a high pressure system from China moving to cover the North, and a monsoon trough covering the Central, East and South regions. Lastly, a change in the monsoon from the southwest to the northeast is expected during the rainy season, further influencing the regional rainfall patterns. Photo courtesy THE STAR -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe