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File photo for reference only. Approximately 3,500 inmates in Nakhon Si Thammarat prison, Thailand, have been affected by an influenza outbreak, resulting in two deaths, according to local health authorities. The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Dr Kittisak Aksornwong, confirmed the outbreak. Between April 19 and 28, 3,442 inmates out of the total 4,427 contracted the Type-A influenza strain. However, all inmates tested negative for Covid-19. The majority of the affected individuals displayed mild symptoms and were treated with anti-viral medication. Vulnerable inmates are closely monitored and isolated. Maharat Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital’s Director, Dr Pongpoj Thiranantachai, revealed that 25 inmates needed hospitalization, and five required intubation due to severe symptoms like high fever and low oxygen levels. Inmates have been classified into three groups based on symptom severity. The rapid virus spread has been attributed to group activities within the prison. All prison visits have been put on hold to control further transmission, with families allowed to contact inmates through video calls. In preparation for the upcoming rainy season, the government urges seven vulnerable groups to get influenza vaccines, available for free at public hospitals from May to August. The Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr Thongchai Kiratihatthayakorn, announced the distribution of 4.51 million vaccine doses to the public. Influenza infections are expected to rise in June, peaking between August and November. Vaccination can help reduce symptom severity, hospitalization, and death rates. Since the beginning of the year, influenza has infected 123,739 individuals and caused five deaths in Thailand. -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket's Water Crisis Threatens Tourism Industry File photo Bang Wad Dam Phuket's tourism industry, a significant revenue stream for the region, is threatened by a worsening water crisis. Due to decreased capacity in the primary reservoirs - Bang Wad, Klong Kata, and Bang Neow Dum, hotels are reporting increased expenses as they are forced to buy water. Local and national government has yet to establish a lasting solution to this perennial issue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326365-phukets-water-crisis-threatens-tourism-industry/

File photo Bang Wad Dam Phuket's tourism industry, a significant revenue stream for the region, is threatened by a worsening water crisis. Due to decreased capacity in the primary reservoirs - Bang Wad, Klong Kata, and Bang Neow Dum, hotels are reporting increased expenses as they are forced to buy water. Local and national government has yet to establish a lasting solution to this perennial issue. Phuket Tourist Association President, Thanet Tantipiriyakit, expressed disappointment at the situation stating that as a primary tourist location, Phuket should have a better water supply. Sukrid Klinson, the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) branch manager, revealed that Bang Wad reservoir holds a reduced 1.17 billion cubic meters (m³) of water, just 16.8% of its total 10.2 billion m³ capacity. The PWA is currently in talks with private suppliers to secure additional water totaling 1.4 million m³, planning to procure 960,000 m³. This step, however, does not resolve the issue for all affected areas. The Bang Wad Reservoir's water level is alarmingly low and without immediate significant rainfall, the PWA will be forced to limit the discharge rate from this reservoir, turning instead to private supplies. Offering a glimmer of hope, the Southern Meteorological Centre (west coast) predicts earlier than expected rainfall. This rainfall, beginning in the second week of May, is projected to be heavier than previous years. Until then, the PWA is distributing free water to needy communities and drought-impacted areas. -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Actress Files Police Complaint Over Online Harassment Picture for reference only. Popular Thai actress, Aom Sakaojai, has lodged a police complaint against a cyberbully who posted sexually explicit and threatening comments on her Facebook page. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326362-thai-actress-files-police-complaint-over-online-harassment/

Popular Thai actress, Aom Sakaojai, has lodged a police complaint against a cyberbully who posted sexually explicit and threatening comments on her Facebook page. She filed her report with Deputy Inspector Chalerm Noppakarn of RomKlao Police Station on May 1. The online harasser, identified as Nui Yabot on Facebook, began his offensive comments on April 30, creating fear and unease for Aom and her family. Previously tolerating such inappropriate comments, Aom's decision to legally confront this level of aggression highlights the darker side of fame. Her actions underline that such behavior will not be tolerated, and legal avenues exist to safeguard the rights and safety of victims. The police have recorded Aom's report and are investigating the case to bring the cyberbully to justice. The incident not only demonstrates the ongoing issue of cyberbullying but also emphasizes the importance of confronting such online aggression. Aom's brave response sets a precedent for tackling cyberbullying in Thailand and offers encouragement for other victims to seek justice. The case illustrates that ignorant online conduct should be decisively addressed, proving that victims can be supported by the law. Picture for reference only. -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Khon Kaen School Deputy Director Arrested for Mid-term Admission Bribes Reference picture courtesy of Vecteezy A deputy director of a school in the Mueang district of Khon Kaen has been arrested for allegedly demanding bribes from parents in exchange for mid-term admissions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326361-khon-kaen-school-deputy-director-arrested-for-mid-term-admission-bribes/

A deputy director of a school in the Mueang district of Khon Kaen has been arrested for allegedly demanding bribes from parents in exchange for mid-term admissions. The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) apprehended the accused, following a complaint from a parent. The deputy director allegedly demanded the bribe amounting to 20,000 baht (US$ 540) for admission. Upon negotiation by the parents, the amount was brought down to 10,000 baht (US$ 270), as the child was already literate. The parents were asked to pay in cash, but they weren't given any information about its intended use. The NACC and police used marked banknotes to establish the transaction and confronted the deputy director immediately after. He was then charged with demanding a bribe and with misusing his official position. Examination of his computer revealed more instances of him soliciting bribes from other parents. He was then taken to the police station for further legal proceedings. According to preliminary findings, around 60 out of the 70 students admitted to the school during mid-term this academic term had paid bribes. Prateep Juthasorn, the deputy secretary-general of NACC Region 4, said the school seems to have political connections and most victims were pressured into withdrawing their complaints. He added that the complete evidence is expected to be compiled within 30 days and forwarded to the NACC. Reference picture courtesy of Vecteezy -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fake Cop Scams Migrant Workers for Cash File photo for reference only. A man posing as a highway police officer allegedly swindled three migrant workers out of 15,000 baht ($405), exploiting their failure to carry passports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326359-fake-cop-scams-migrant-workers-for-cash/

File photo for reference only. A man posing as a highway police officer allegedly swindled three migrant workers out of 15,000 baht ($405), exploiting their failure to carry passports. The shabby extortion attempt, recorded and posted on Facebook, happened at the Wang Chan Highway Police Station in Rayong on May 1. After being stopped by the impersonator, the employer of the migrants, 56-year-old Narongsak Khunach, furnished photos of the workers' passports, which were saved on his phone. He also confirmed their legal work permits. Despite proving their legality, the fraudulent cop insisted on a 5,000 baht fine per worker plus a whopping 100,000 baht ($2,700) fine for Narongsak himself should the case go to court. Facing financial constraints, Narongsak proposed to negotiate. He eventually managed to downsize the payable fault money to 5,000 baht. The workers, on a group vacation hogheaded by Narongsak and his spouse, Thongbai Sombatboon, reportedly had saved their funds majorly for the outing’s fuel costs. The migrant workers, eager to experience the seaside for the first time, were returning home when accosted. Narongsak had to withdraw the negotiated sum from an ATM because the poseur claimed he didn't own a bank account for a money transfer. Both Narongsak and Thongbai presented the withdrawal slip of the agreed amount in a follow-up Facebook post. -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Manhunt for Two Men Allegedly Assaulting Minors in Chon Buri File photo for reference only. A grave incident involving the assault of two underage sisters in Chon Buri is under active investigation. The victims' mother has lodged an official complaint against two brothers accused of the crime. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326356-manhunt-for-two-men-allegedly-assaulting-minors-in-chon-buri/

File photo for reference only. A grave incident involving the assault of two underage sisters in Chon Buri is under active investigation. The victims' mother has lodged an official complaint against two brothers accused of the crime. The sisters aged 14 and 16, were reportedly lured and assaulted on April 29, triggering a manhunt by local law enforcement. The victims were led into this situation under the pretext of helping to find a relative of the accused. They were coerced into two isolated locations, threatened with death, and assaulted. Post assault, the victims managed to flee and alert their mother. Police Colonel Navin Sinthurat has recognized the severity of the crime due to the victims' young age. He has directed his team to hasten the legal procedures to apprehend the suspects. After hearing about the charges, the suspects reached out to the victims, asking for mercy and expressing fear of a long imprisonment. They have offered to make amends, noting the potential impact on their aged parents. -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Airline Insider Reveals Economy Class Seats to Dodge Picture courtesy of pixabay An airline cabin crew veteran recently identified the top three seats to steer clear of in economy class, aiming to enhance the comfort of passengers who may be limited by budget. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326354-airline-insider-reveals-economy-class-seats-to-dodge/

Picture courtesy of pixabay An airline cabin crew veteran recently identified the top three seats to steer clear of in economy class, aiming to enhance the comfort of passengers who may be limited by budget. Their number one worst seat choice is in the second row, as it generally has limited legroom owing to its proximity to first-row seats often booked by parents with small children. The sound of potentially crying babies only adds to the discomfort. The last-row seats are the next to be avoided, as per the cabin crew insider. Besides being susceptible to more turbulence, these seats' proximity to restrooms and delayed food and beverage service makes for an unappealing choice. Added to this, these seats often do not recline, making them undesirable for longer flights. Lastly, the cabin crew expert advises against the middle seat. Offers of scenic views and a wall to lean on make window seats an attractive choice, whereas aisle seats provide more legroom and easy accessibility. Middle seats, wedged between two passengers, afford neither comfort, making them the least favorable. This advice follows a recent event where the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) was called to meet with Thai Airways International Public Co. Ltd. The meeting was in response to a social media complaint from a passenger who had bought a business-class ticket yet was put in economy class. -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 2 May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326353-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-2-may-2024/

The Constitutional Court yesterday agreed to extend the deadline to May 18 for the Move Forward party to submit its defence against the Election Commission’s application to the court seeking the party’s dissolution and banning members from politics for ten years. The court had previously scheduled May 3rd but the party asked for a 30-day extension to gather evidence. Extremely hot weather caused a stretch of railway lines to expand and warp out of shape in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Railway engineers managed to cool them down with water and ice to make the tracks safe for use. Chiang Mai will reclaim the title of the world's most polluted city after being in the top 5 for a week, according to the air quality index application. Weather affected flight by the national carrier singapore airlines and budget carrier Scoot airline. Around the region, In China ,At least 24 people died after part of a highway collapsed due to heavy rains in southern China's Guangdong province. A serial of aerial photographs showed wrecked vehicles lying in a deep muddy pit where the highway once ran. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 41C Bangkok: Sunny, partly cloudy, 38C Pattaya: Sunny, 36C Phuket and the south: Sunny, partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny partly cloudy, 36C 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 2024-05-02 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Unprecedented Heatwave Spurs High Power Demand in Thailand Picture: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand Thailand is in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave, driving the nation's power demand to enormous levels. The Thai Meteorological Department reported that over three dozen districts across the country's 77 provinces experienced their highest ever temperatures for April, the traditionally hottest month, with some records breaking those set in 1958. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326348-unprecedented-heatwave-spurs-high-power-demand-in-thailand/

Thailand is in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave, driving the nation's power demand to enormous levels. The Thai Meteorological Department reported that over three dozen districts across the country's 77 provinces experienced their highest ever temperatures for April, the traditionally hottest month, with some records breaking those set in 1958. This extreme heat has caused a surge in electricity consumption, with a record peak of 36,699 megawatts on April 29, marking the third record-breaking demand in a week. To meet these rising demands, PTT, Thailand's state-owned energy company, has secured an emergency shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with possible additional purchases being considered. LNG is mainly used for power generation in this nation. The extreme temperatures have sparked health and safety concerns, as heat-related fatalities increase. The Ministry of Public Health has linked around 30 deaths to the heat this year. In response, residents have been cautioned to reduce outdoor activities as predictions forecast temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. In Bangkok, the heat index, which includes humidity, hit more than 52 degrees Celsius, a level considered very dangerous, thus posing extreme discomfort and potential health hazards. Lampang, a northern province, saw the temperature soar to 44.2 degrees Celsius, only slightly below the country's all-time high of 44.6 degrees Celsius. TOP Picture: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Canadian biker arrested for DUI in Phuket Picture courtesy of The Phuket Express A Canadian biker, identified as Mr. Felix, was apprehended in Patong, Phuket for driving under the influence on the 1st of May, as per the Patong Police reports. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326347-canadian-biker-arrested-for-dui-in-phuket/

A Canadian biker, identified as Mr. Felix, was apprehended in Patong, Phuket for driving under the influence on the 1st of May, as per the Patong Police reports. The law enforcement authorities initiated a checkpoint near the Dolphin Roundabout on Taweewong Road. Here, they halted a suspicious male biker around 4:00 A.M., who subsequently underwent an alcohol breath test. The test results revealed an alcohol level of .59 milligrams percent, surpassing the legal limit of .50. Consequently, Mr. Felix was escorted to the Patong Police Station to be charged with drunk driving. He has yet to issue a public response or a statement to the media about the incident. TOP Picture courtesy of The Phuket Express -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Joint Operation to Curb Noise & Fireworks Nuisance at Jomtien Beach Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News In response to noise and fireworks disturbances at Jomtien Beach, officials from Banglamung and Pattaya police carried out surprise inspections on May 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326346-joint-operation-to-curb-noise-fireworks-nuisance-at-jomtien-beach/

In response to noise and fireworks disturbances at Jomtien Beach, officials from Banglamung and Pattaya police carried out surprise inspections on May 1st. The checks were also spurred by a gunfire incident on April 25th, 2024, where a drunk 29-year-old Thai man had fired shots into the sea at Jomtien Beach. The inspections, conducted past midnight and involving Pattaya City Hall officials, targeted beachgoers, mainly teenagers. Officials checked for illegal substances and unauthorized items, and issued warnings to vendors selling forbidden goods such as Kratom water, firecrackers, and fireworks on sidewalks. The team told reporters that these nuisance-induced items disturbed hotel guests and local residents. Many had complained about loud music, consumption of alcohol, and late-night fireworks on the beach, which hindered their relaxation and sleep. Aimed at deterring such activities, this joint operation seeks to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all at Jomtien Beach. Visitors are advised to work with officials and report any unlawful activities to help maintain a peaceful beach atmosphere. Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

New Foreign Minister for Thailand: Maris Sangiampongsa Maris Sangiampongsa. Picture: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand Thailand's Maris Sangiampongsa, a 66-year-old retired diplomat, has been confirmed as the country's new foreign minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326345-new-foreign-minister-for-thailand-maris-sangiampongsa/

Thailand's Maris Sangiampongsa, a 66-year-old retired diplomat, has been confirmed as the country's new foreign minister. His appointment, which was confirmed in the Royal Gazette last Wednesday (May 1), was made by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin following the move of his predecessor, Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, who resigned after a cabinet reshuffle. Maris Sangiampongsa's diplomatic career spans several decades, serving in key roles and as ambassador in countries like Nepal, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. He is also academically accomplished, with a Master's Degree in Political Science from Ohio University. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Thailand. The country is deepening its diplomatic efforts to manage the rising civil conflict in Myanmar. As part of these efforts, the Thai government has been delivering humanitarian aid to Myanmar and is aiding in negotiations between the warring parties. This role is part of a larger ambition by ASEAN to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Myanmar, even amidst difficulties in convincing the Myanmar government to cooperate. TOP: Maris Sangiampongsa. Picture: NNT- National News Bureau of Thailand -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Move Forward Party Granted Extended Deadline to Defend Dissolution Request File photo courtesy of Wikipedia The Constitutional Court has sanctioned an extension until May 20 for the Move Forward Party to submit its defence against the Election Commission's (EC) plea for its disbandment. Simultaneously, the EC seeks a ten-year political ban on its committee members. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326343-move-forward-party-granted-extended-deadline-to-defend-dissolution-request/

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia The Constitutional Court has sanctioned an extension until May 20 for the Move Forward Party to submit its defence against the Election Commission's (EC) plea for its disbandment. Simultaneously, the EC seeks a ten-year political ban on its committee members. The extension from the original May 3 deadline was granted in response to the party's request for an additional 30 days. The EC initiated the disbandment process following a Constitutional Court ruling declaring that the Move Forward Party's campaign to revise the lèse majesté law infringed upon the Constitution. -- 2024-05-02 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe