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Motorcycle Rider Dies in High-Speed Collision Picture courtesy of Kachon A motorcycle rider succumbed to fatal injuries after crashing into a parked Toyota Fortuner in Chon Buri, yesterday morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326634-motorcycle-rider-dies-in-high-speed-collision /

Picture courtesy of Kachon A motorcycle rider succumbed to fatal injuries after crashing into a parked Toyota Fortuner in Chon Buri, yesterday morning. The fatal incident occurred on the Bypass Road 36 (Krating Lai – Rayong) in the Nong Pla Lai sub-district, Banglamung district. The exact site was the 1+400 km point on the road. Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon, along with Banglamung police, rushed to the scene around 9:30 am. They found a destroyed black Yamaha XMAX bike and its rider, Boonchanit Phrachan, dead on the roadside. Phrachan's body had significant limb and neck injuries. His ID revealed that he worked in the e-commerce sector as a website administrator. The speedometer on the deceased’s motorcycle indicated his speed to be over 160 km per hour, leading the police to believe that Phrachan was moving at a high-speed potentially attempting to overtake another vehicle, unaware of the stationary car on the side of the road. Near the site was a white Toyota Fortuner with its rear end and spare tyre, originally attached to the back of the car, severely damaged. Thawachai Wiseschan, the driver of the car, told the police that he had parked there after a doctor's visit. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing, as the police hope the CCTV footage will reveal the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. Meanwhile, Phrachan's body has been moved to a nearby hospital for funerary preparations. -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tragic Heat Death in Thailand's Zinc House Picture courtesy of Amarin TV In a tragic event in Thailand, a 39-year-old man named Phongsak tragically lost his life to extreme heat in his zinc-clad home. The incident happened on May 3 in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326632-tragic-heat-death-in-thailands-zinc-house/

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV In a tragic event in Thailand, a 39-year-old man named Phongsak tragically lost his life to extreme heat in his zinc-clad home. The incident happened on May 3 in Bang Phli district, Samut Prakan province. Phongsak's home, a one-door and windowless structure, was primarily made with zinc sheets, leading it to become excessively hot. Following his collapse, relatives immediately contacted emergency services. Despite the immediate response from Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers and local rescuers who tried resuscitation efforts, Phongsak did not survive. His death was certified as a result of coronary artery and hepatic sclerosis. Phongsak’s sister, Thiramanas, described the distressing pre-death moments. She mentioned that Phongsak requested water spray from his neighbor for temporary relief. However, his condition worsened quickly, with him gasping for breath and expressing concerns of a heart failure. Phongsak's solitary housing circumstances, his underlying conditions of an enlarged heart and pulmonary edema, along with his unwillingness to open his door for ventilation, all contributed to this tragic event. His death brings attention to the grave risks of inadequate living conditions and extreme heat exposure. -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese Interpreter With Gang Ties Arrested in Thailand Kidnap Case Picture courtesy of MGR A Chinese-language interpreter, known to be affiliated with a notorious criminal gang, was arrested on May 3 in Thailand's Din Daeng district. Theerachai Chaloemwanpen, 36, was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Metropolitan Police Division 1 after a kidnapping incident on April 25 involving five Chinese businessmen. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326631-chinese-interpreter-with-gang-ties-arrested-in-thailand-kidnap-case/

A Chinese-language interpreter, known to be affiliated with a notorious criminal gang, was arrested on May 3 in Thailand's Din Daeng district. Theerachai Chaloemwanpen, 36, was taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police Bureau and Metropolitan Police Division 1 after a kidnapping incident on April 25 involving five Chinese businessmen. The victims were abducted from a hotel room in Soi Pracha Songkroh 2, and the captors demanded a ransom of 2.5 million baht (US$68,000) in digital currency. Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commissioner Noppasin Poonsawat reported that surveillance footage revealed an 11-member gang operating the kidnapping using four vehicles. Significantly, current and former police personnel were part of this gang. Following an investigation by the police, five arrest warrants were issued, including for Theerachai, traffic constable Weerayut Phetcharat, and a former senior sergeant major at Kannayao station, Atthawut Sumonrattanakul. While Theerachai and Atthawut have been apprehended, Weerayut managed to escape. Atthawut, who had previously faced suspension, refrained from giving evidence, choosing instead to testify in court. The authorities have confirmed they are currently searching for the six remaining gang members. Picture courtesy of MGR -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 6 May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326630-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-6-may-2024/

The government is stepping up efforts to address Thailand's so-called informal debt, which can lead to problems with narcotics, while others have been financially affected by drought. Prime minister Sretta said that informal debt remains a major problem with low-income earners, he urged those in difficulty to seek help through the government’s debt settlement programme. A woman from Laos was arrested for allegedly being involved with a gang that extorted 2.5 million baht from a group of Chinese nationals last year, She faces charges of extortion and imitating a police officer. Police believe she operated a credit card reader to receive ransom money from Chinese victims.. She then kept some of the ransom money. The victims were told to pay up, or face having their illicit businesses exposed. The woman was among 11 suspects involved in the case. Education authorities have advised school management to suspend onsite teaching on extremely hot days to reduce the risk of heatstroke, Schools have also been told to provide drinking water to students. A leading Climate expert posted that the hottest period in Bangkok could increase from 17 to 80 days a year due to global warming. Around the region Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in France yesterday to begin a closely watched three-nation tour that will see him try to improve relations with Europe. He was Accompanied by his wife, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. President Xi will also visit Serbia and Hungary. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny, 37C Bangkok: Thunderstorms, 37C Pattaya: Sunny, 35C Phuket and the south: cloudy thundershowers, 33C Hua Hin: Bright but cloudy, isolated showers and very humid. 35C 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 2024-05-06 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Family Demands 10m Baht Following Fatal Fall in Bangkok Picture courtesy of Komchadluek A lawsuit has been filed against the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) in Bangkok, Thailand, by the family of Mr. Kamthorn, a man who died after falling into an uncovered electrical conduit. They are seeking 10 million baht in compensation for their loss. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326624-family-demands-10m-baht-following-fatal-fall-in-bangkok/

A lawsuit has been filed against the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) in Bangkok, Thailand, by the family of Mr. Kamthorn, a man who died after falling into an uncovered electrical conduit. They are seeking 10 million baht in compensation for their loss. The accident occurred near Soi Lat Phrao 49 in Bangkok, where Kamthorn tragically fell into a 10-metre-deep electrical conduit while crossing the road. The covers of the tubes had been replaced with plywood after the steel covers had been stolen, according to the MEA. Kamthorn's family criticized the MEA and Bangkok's city government for failing to secure the under-construction site adequately and stated that they must take full responsibility. They rejected the MEA's statement about the replacement of steel covers with plywood after theft and argued that the organization should have installed CCTV surveillance as preventive measure, especially since it is a significant agency with substantial financial resources. Kamthorn's family pointed out that he had been responsible for the care of his two elderly and ill sisters. They stressed that nothing could compensate for their lost loved one. In response to the incident, the MEA has temporarily secured all open electrical conduits with concrete covers and ordered contractors to improve safety around work sites. They also pledged to take legal action against those responsible for stealing the original steel covers. Picture courtesy of Komchadluek -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

US Man Detained in Phuket for Theft, Alleged Assault on Thai Woman Picture courtesy of Thai Post An American man in Phuket, known as Mr. Ali, has been arrested on suspicion of theft and potential assault of a local woman. Full. story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326622-us-man-detained-in-phuket-for-theft-alleged-assault-on-thai-woman/

An American man in Phuket, known as Mr. Ali, has been arrested on suspicion of theft and potential assault of a local woman. The 36 year old was taken into custody on May 3rd, around 11am in a department store parking lot in Wichit, following the investigation of a complaint filed with the Chalong Police. The report alleges that Mr. Ali, who entered Thailand as a tourist with a 30-day visa exemption in February, had committed a theft after dark on April 24th in Chalong and may have assaulted a Thai woman in the process. He has since been moved to Chalong Police Station where he faces charges relating to night time theft. However, no direct mention of the reported assault was given by the authorities. As of now, it is unclear whether Mr. Ali has obtained legal representation or issued any public comment on the allegations. Picture courtesy of Thai Post -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chonburi Surpasses Phuket as Second Most Visited Tourist Spot in Thailand Picture courtesy of Siam Focus Time Bangkok is still the most visited city in Thailand as of March 2024, according to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. It saw 4,459,579 tourist arrivals, with approximately 50% being from overseas. Hotel occupancy sat at 76.32%. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326621-chonburi-surpasses-phuket-as-second-most-visited-tourist-spot-in-thailand/

Bangkok is still the most visited city in Thailand as of March 2024, according to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. It saw 4,459,579 tourist arrivals, with approximately 50% being from overseas. Hotel occupancy sat at 76.32%. Chonburi, known for its resort city Pattaya, followed closely as the second most visited location with 1,892,712 visitors, nearly half of which were international tourists. The hotel occupancy rate was slightly above Bangkok at 76.69%. Third place went to Kanchanaburi, though its visitor population of 1,185,695 was predominantly local. The province of Phuket was next with 1,171,189 visitors, around 79% were from abroad. Phuket boasts the highest hotel occupancy rate of all the mentioned areas at 86.37%. Prachuap Khiri Khan, with 979,818 visitors and a hotel occupancy of 72.83%, completed the top five. The least popular location was Amnat Charoen, seeing just 23,207 visitors. Thailand welcomed a total of 29,151,310 visitors in March 2024, up 12.15% compared to last year, contributing around 583.902 billion baht in revenue. Chinese tourists dominated foreign visitor numbers ahead of Malaysians, Russians, South Koreans, and Indians. The ministry remarked on an increase in Chinese visitors who previously ranked second behind Malaysia. Picture courtesy of Siam Focus Time -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's NVI Backs AstraZeneca Amid Controversy Picture courtesy of CNBC Indonesia The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) of Thailand has released a statement reassuring the public about the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, especially regarding serious side effects. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326620-thailands-nvi-backs-astrazeneca-amid-controversy/

Picture courtesy of CNBC Indonesia The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) of Thailand has released a statement reassuring the public about the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, especially regarding serious side effects. From approximately 48.7 million doses disbursed throughout the country, only seven cases of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) have been suspected, highlighting a notably low occurrence rate. These comments come after AstraZeneca, the Swedish-based pharmaceutical firm, conceded that there is an increased risk of TTS from their vaccine. Evidence suggests that TTS typically manifests within a span of three to 21 days following the first vaccine dose. The susceptibility for this severe side effect is also higher among the elderly and those with a prior history of thrombosis or autoimmune diseases. Despite these risks, the World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirms that the AstraZeneca vaccine's protective benefits against Covid-19 surpass the uncommon potential side effects, especially in nations still grappling with the virus. According to the WHO, hospital admissions in Thailand due to Covid-19 infection have seen a surge since March. Recently, the rise in cases has been quite considerable, possibly exacerbated by mass gathers during the Songkran festivities. A significant portion of the Thai population remains partially or yet to be vaccinated against Covid-19. -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

French woman's ฿100m Estate Under Investigation after Sudden Death in Thailand Picture via X (formerly twitter) Reports about the ฿100 million bequest of a wealthy French woman, Catherine DeLacote, after her suicide in Thailand may have been premature. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326619-french-womans-฿100m-estate-under-investigation-after-sudden-death-in-thailand/

Reports about the ฿100 million bequest of a wealthy French woman, Catherine DeLacote, after her suicide in Thailand may have been premature. Lawyers managing her estate have imposed a media blackout until the content of her will and the total value of her property can be confirmed. The wealth thought to include vehicles, jewelry, bank accounts, and properties. DeLacote, 59, infamously ended her life at her residence in Koh Samui, where her body was found by a pool attendant. Before her death, she had shrewdly disabled the CCTV to record her final moments. Her estate is speculated to include expensive properties like her hillside villa, an inland site, jewelry, cars and bank accounts, including possibly five villa properties she and her ex-husband developed. Experts value the estate to be nearly upwards of ฿50 million. A note was left to her long-serving maid, Ms. Nutwalai Phupongta, known as 'Aunty Tim', stating that she was chosen as her executor and a bequest to her ex-husband. While the fortune left by DeLacote is still uncertain, lawyers administering her estate have restricted premature media reporting on the will's details. DeLacote transferred money to her staff before her death and left ฿500,000 to 'Aunty Tim' for her funeral. As per Thai law, electronic communications cannot be construed as wills; hence confirmation of the value of her estate awaits the legal probate process. Her body has been sent to the Surat Thani province as part of the routine autopsy process under Thai law. Picture via X (formerly twitter) -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Expanded Investigation Following Teen Drug Smuggler's Arrest Picture courtesy of Sanook The Narcotics Suppression Bureau in Chiang Mai is intensifying its investigation after a 14-year-old boy was apprehended carrying 5.6 million methamphetamine pills. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326618-expanded-investigation-following-teen-drug-smugglers-arrest/

The Narcotics Suppression Bureau in Chiang Mai is intensifying its investigation after a 14-year-old boy was apprehended carrying 5.6 million methamphetamine pills. The arrest took place yesterday featuring the participation of high-ranking police officials including Pol. Lt. Gen. Kirisak Tantinwachai, the Bureau's commander, and Pol. Maj. Gen. Adis Charoensawat, chief of the Bureau’s third division. The minor, whose name remains undisclosed, is currently detained as the police widen the investigation. According to Pol. Lt. Gen. Kirisak, the boy's actions suggest strong connections with a substantial local drug ring. His partners, however, successfully evaded capture. Previously, significant arrests have led to the confiscation of over 14 million methamphetamine pills from this gang. Towards the end of last year, 6 million pills were seized, with an approximate 5 million confiscated at this year's start. The drug ring reportedly alters tactics after each major arrest, frequently incorporating new members. Recent recruiting efforts have targeted youth and women, utilizing their ease of influence and cheaper smuggling charges. Pol. Lt. Gen. Kirisak stated that efforts are currently underway to implement new measures to apprehend these drug traffickers, which will involve the study of further goals and information updates. Given the involvement of a minor, youth services must be engaged for appropriate care. Legal proceedings against the teen suspect are slated to begin within 24 hours. Picture courtesy of Sanook -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Quick Police Response to Disturbance on Pattaya Road Picture courtesy of Facebook Siam Chon News Authorities quickly responded to a disturbance caused by a drug-intoxicated man on Pattaya Central Road today, May 5. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaowalit Suwanmanee, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, received news of the situation around 3:30 am and promptly arrived at the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326617-quick-police-response-to-disturbance-on-pattaya-road/

Authorities quickly responded to a disturbance caused by a drug-intoxicated man on Pattaya Central Road today, May 5. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chaowalit Suwanmanee, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, received news of the situation around 3:30 am and promptly arrived at the scene. The man, identified only as Ton, was found agitated and yelling incoherently, wearing a red and white T-shirt and black jeans in the middle of the road. His erratic conduct caused panic among customers in a nearby rice porridge shop, driving people away in fear. With the help of the local community, police officers succeeded in capturing the man. Ton later confessed to using methamphetamine before such a public disturbance. Subsequent to his arrest, he was taken to Pattaya Police Station for drug tests and legal processing. Prawit Chanhong, a security guard at the rice porridge shop, reported that Ton appeared suddenly and started acting unusually, prompting him to call law enforcement immediately. Despite the chaos, Pattaya News confirmed there were no injuries, much to the relief of everyone involved. Prawit expressed his gratitude, stating, "I'm glad no one was hurt in the incident." Picture courtesy of Facebook Siam Chon News -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Sales with Fines Picture courtesy of Freepik In a drive to reduce the sales of e-cigarettes among young people, Thailand's Customs Department has introduced hefty fines for importers. They are now required to pay a fine equivalent to twice the product's cost, alongside customs tax and VAT. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326616-thailand-cracks-down-on-e-cigarette-sales-with-fines/

In a drive to reduce the sales of e-cigarettes among young people, Thailand's Customs Department has introduced hefty fines for importers. They are now required to pay a fine equivalent to twice the product's cost, alongside customs tax and VAT. The department's spokesperson, Panthong Loykulnan, announced the penalties yesterday. They apply to imports of e-cigarettes, barakus, shishas, and e-barakus. Any confiscated items will be treated similarly to other restricted goods like cigarettes, liquor, and copyright-infringing goods. This initiative comes after two e-cigarette-related incidents were reported in Sisaket and Rayong. In Sisaket, a raid on a city municipality shop called Monkey Tattoo led to the seizure of e-cigarette paraphernalia and cash. Two employees were arrested and fined roughly 2 million baht (US$54,000), equivalent to quadruple the price of the confiscated items. In Rayong, another two suspects were apprehended for allegedly selling e-cigarettes and e-barakus in their shops. Their equipment and a list of orders were seized by local police. In light of these events, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) has called for a collective effort to protect Thai youth from the health risks of e-cigarettes. CPPD chief, Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasert, highlighted the importance of educating young people about the associated health hazards. Picture courtesy of Freepik -- 2024-05-06 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hailstorm in Thailand Kills 21,000 Chickens and Damages Worth 3 Million Baht Picture courtesy of Khaosod A major hailstorm in the Phu Kheaw district of Chaiyaphum, Thailand, caused extensive damage and led to the death of 21,000 chickens at a local poultry farm. The cost of destruction is preliminarily estimated to be over 3 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326615-hailstorm-in-thailand-kills-21000-chickens-and-damages-worth-3-million-baht/