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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

File photo for reference only The Israeli-Iranian conflict poses a significant risk to the Thai economy up to the second quarter. This comes amidst concerns of currency depreciation and increasing oil prices, potentially reducing purchasing power. The IMF recently lowered its Thai GDP forecast from 4.4% to 2.7%, citing a decrease in domestic consumption. Asian stock markets have already felt some impact due to the conflict, seeing increases in energy costs and gold prices, which reached an all-time high of 42,000 baht per baht-weight. But with Iran downplaying Israel’s drone strike, gold prices have normalized. Geopolitical tensions have caused Thailand's Stock Exchange (SET) index to fluctuate, with a dip to 1,332 points, its lowest in over three years. The increase in oil prices could mean persistent inflation, which may affect the Federal Reserve's rate cut decisions, potentially impacting the SET index. Thailand's national oil and gas conglomerate, PTT Plc, assured that the country has enough oil to meet demand despite global supply concerns. Thailand's currency, the baht, has experienced volatility against the US dollar, depreciating more than its regional counterparts due to external factors. Thai National Shippers’ Council Chairman, Chaichan Chareonsuk, declared that exports could be marginally impacted as there is minimal trade between Thailand and Iran. Yet, increasing tension could pose severe threats to Thai exports. Meanwhile, Israel's El Al Airlines maintains daily flights between Tel Aviv, Bangkok, and Phuket despite the conflict, reflecting continued strong demand. On the other hand, jet fuel prices have not seen any drastic increases due to the Middle East unrest, though airlines are feeling the pinch of the weak baht, as most expenses are dollar-denominated. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Acid attack leaves Burmese mother and baby severely injured byf Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A brutal acid attack has left a 27 year old Burmese woman and her eight-month-old baby with severe injuries. The incident, which occurred on October 19, 2023, involved the woman’s ex-husband, who launched the attack while she was bathing her daughter. The assailant, a Myanmar national like the victims, used a yellow plastic bottle to disperse the acid, causing grievous harm to the mother of one, named Geti. The attack resulted in the mother suffering extensive injuries to her head, right side of her face, ear, neck, and body, while the infant was left blind with facial disfigurement. The victims were initially treated in Myanmar before being transferred to various hospitals for specialized care. Geti’s recovery took three months, while her daughter’s treatments extended over five months. Following their ordeal, on March 9, Geti filed a complaint with the authorities in Sangkhla Buri, West Thailand hoping for legal action against the perpetrator. However, the Thai police are currently unable to prosecute due to jurisdictional limitations, as the crime occurred outside of Thailand. The Office of the Attorney General in Thailand reviewed the case and confirmed that the incident took place entirely in Myanmar, with no part of the crime occurring within Thai borders. This legal hurdle highlights the complexities of cross-border crime and the challenges victims face in seeking justice. The disclosure of these details was made today, April 29, by Police Major General Nakharin Sukontawit, the Provincial Police Commander of Kanchanaburi. The case sparked a conversation about the protection available to victims of such crimes and the limitations faced by law enforcement when crimes cross international lines. Kanthatwat Pongphiboonwes, known as Kan Jomplang, a prominent figure, has stepped in to assist Geti and her daughter. He is preparing to facilitate a meeting between them and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the case and explore potential avenues for redress. This tragic story has not only shed light on the brutality of acid attacks but also on the legal challenges and procedural intricacies that often prevent victims from getting the justice they deserve in cross-border crimes. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Authorities Investigate Acid Attack on Woman and Infant Photo Courtesy : Khaosod Authorities are probing a disturbing incident in which a woman and her 8-month-old baby were attacked with acid by an unidentified assailant Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326148-thai-authorities-investigate-acid-attack-on-woman-and-infant/

Photo Courtesy : Khaosod Authorities are probing a disturbing incident in which a woman and her 8-month-old baby were attacked with acid by an unidentified assailant. The incident occurred in Nong Phai District, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, with social media abuzz over the horrifying ordeal. The victim, identified as Ms. Ketee (pseudonym), aged 27, and her infant, suffered severe injuries when the attacker, purportedly a former partner of Ms. Ketee’s husband, poured acid on them. Ms. Ketee sustained injuries to her head, face, right ear, and neck, while her baby suffered facial disfigurement and blindness in both eyes. Emergency services rushed Ms. Ketee and her baby to a nearby medical facility in Phayathon Su District, then transferred them to Ban Phra Chedi Sam Ong Hospital and eventually to Phra Phutthabat Hospital for further treatment. Full story: Hua Hin Locality Guide 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Tram Project Progresses Towards Completion File photo Phuket's anticipated tram project, planned to connect Phuket International Airport and the Ha Yeak Chalong intersection, is making steady progress with the feasibility study due to be concluded within the next six months. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326145-phuket-tram-project-progresses-towards-completion/

File photo Phuket's anticipated tram project, planned to connect Phuket International Airport and the Ha Yeak Chalong intersection, is making steady progress with the feasibility study due to be concluded within the next six months. According to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is currently conducting the study, set to present the final report in June 2026. Upon the study's completion, the findings will be forwarded to various authorities, including the Transport Ministry, State Enterprise Policy Office, Public-Private Partnership Committee, and the Cabinet, for review from July 2026 until February 2027. The bidding phase follows, projected to run from March 2027 to August 2028. According to Jungrungreangkit, construction will start in September 2028 and is expected to conclude by December 2031. To ensure minimal traffic disruption during the construction period, authorities plan to widen Highway Road No 402 and 4027 alongside developing underpasses at five junctions along Highway 402 on the outskirts of Phuket City. The underpass tunnels will be located near key areas including Muang Thalang School and the Srisunthon municipality office among others, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow during the tram system's construction. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently visited Phuket to monitor local police's measures against the so-called foreign mafia. Further, the Prime Minister's visit was primarily focused on the progress of various construction projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in Phuket, mentioned spokesperson Chai Watcharong. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Heatstroke Fears After Homeless Pattaya Man Dies Suddenly File photo for reference only A Pattaya homeless man's sudden death has led to concerns and investigations by Thai authorities. The man, 50-year-old Noi, was found dead near a bus stop in the intense midday heat. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326143-heatstroke-fears-after-homeless-pattaya-man-dies-suddenly/

File photo for reference only A Pattaya homeless man's sudden death has led to concerns and investigations by Thai authorities. The man, 50-year-old Noi, was found dead near a bus stop in the intense midday heat. The authorities are exploring whether his death was a result of a preexisting health condition, a severe heatstroke, or possibly a combination of both. On the day Noi was found, temperatures were soaring. His lack of movement in the extreme heat initially pointed to heatstroke - a hazardous condition characterized by high body temperature, altered mental state, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and headaches. There are also suspicions of an underlying health problem Noi was dealing with, which could have been aggravated by the heat, according to a local who wished to remain unidentified. Among the locals, Noi was known as a familiar face who kept to himself. His death was a sad event that shocked the local community. Noi's body has been sent to Banglamung Hospital for an autopsy to establish the exact cause of his death, information which should help in piecing together the circumstances leading up to his unfortunate passing. In light of this unfortunate event, authorities are advising the public to take precautions during the hot summer months. Tips include staying hydrated, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, wearing light clothing, and never leaving kids or pets in parked cars, quoted a public official. He cautioned against underestimating the heat, labels it as a silent killer, and appealed to everyone, particularly individuals with underlying health issues, to stay safe and take care of their health. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Need for Stricter Laws to Manage Thailand’s Hazardous Waste Crisis File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand's waste management crisis has come to the fore after fires at hazardous waste facilities in Rayong and Ayutthaya, and illegal smuggling of toxic waste across provinces. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326139-need-for-stricter-laws-to-manage-thailand’s-hazardous-waste-crisis/

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand's waste management crisis has come to the fore after fires at hazardous waste facilities in Rayong and Ayutthaya, and illegal smuggling of toxic waste across provinces. Concerns are growing as the country reportedly generates 36 million tonnes of hazardous waste every year according to the Department of Pollution Control. Experts accuse the government of lax law enforcement and inadequate investment in recycling. More than 2,500 recycling and industrial waste plants are spread across the country, with about a third located in provinces linked to the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Authorities were urged to implement legal amendments to ensure better management of hazardous waste, and to establish an audit system for plant inspections, with some empowerment given to local authorities. Legal action in Rayong in 2022 saw Win Process ordered to pay compensation to 14 locals over environmental impacts. However, the company defied the court order to fix damage, claiming it was no longer operative. Additionally, recent fires at hazardous waste warehouses in Ayutthaya and Rayong resulted in major damage. Victim advocates are calling on the government to repeal a 2016 order that was cited as exacerbating the problem, and stress the urgent need for robust law enforcement. A suggestion has been made to create a public Pollutant Release and Transfer Register, now under consideration in parliament. State agencies face heavy criticism for ineffective handling of chemical fires, and suggestions have been made to use funds for hazardous chemical accidents on emergency training and local compensation. Locals are reportedly suffering due to the fallout of the crisis, with concerns raised about time and cost of recovery. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Delayed Charter Amendments by Pheu Thai Party Stir Controversy File photo Thailand's Pheu Thai Party's pledge to devise a people-oriented constitution incorporating a public referendum, an elected assembly, and respecting the country's constitutional monarchy is yet to materialise seven months into governance. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326136-delayed-charter-amendments-by-pheu-thai-party-stir-controversy/

File photo Thailand's Pheu Thai Party's pledge to devise a people-oriented constitution incorporating a public referendum, an elected assembly, and respecting the country's constitutional monarchy is yet to materialise seven months into governance. The party initially spent time under the supervision of the Commerce Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, investigating the design of a referendum for charter modification. Still, any notable progress or decisions remained unannounced until recently. Despite the bill to amend the constitutional clause being submitted to Parliament, it failed to make it to the agenda, culminating in an appeal to the Constitutional Court. In April, the Court rejected the appeal, standing by its earlier decision that a charter rewrite cannot proceed without a preliminary referendum. According to Nikorn Chamnong, head of the sub-panel gleaning opinions, the goal is to democratise the charter without overhauling existing chapters. After the Court's dismissal of the appeal, the decision lies back with the government. Once Cabinet approval is secured, the issue will progress to the Election Commission, which must act within 90 days. Even with foreseeable challenges, Nikorn remains optimistic about completing the charter reformation before the current House's tenure concludes. He expects the first referendum to occur this year or next, with a charter drafting assembly likely to be launched before 2026. However, Nutthawut Buaprathum of the opposition Move Forward Party remains sceptical about the government's commitment to push forward the process. He has called for the publication of the committee’s reports for transparency and collaboration with parliament to place the amendment bills on the agenda. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Heatwave: High Temperatures of 44 Degrees Expected Thailand finds itself under a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to skyrocket up to 44 degrees Celsius. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326135-thailands-heatwave-high-temperatures-of-44-degrees-expected/

File photo Thailand finds itself under a severe heatwave with temperatures expected to skyrocket up to 44 degrees Celsius. This intense heat predominates the Northern region with scattered clouds during the day. The minimum temperature is set at a range of between 22 and 30 degrees, and a strong southwesterly wind blowing at speeds of 5-15 km/hr. The northeastern region follows suit with isolated thunderstorms in lower areas, and temperatures as high as 44 degrees. The Central and Eastern regions are not spared with the highest temperatures reaching 44 and 42 degrees respectively amid patches of clouds and possible thunderstorm occurrence. Southwesterly and southerly winds of 10-30 km/hr have been forecasted for these regions. The southern region, split between the East and West Coasts, is hot with some areas expecting thunderstorms. Here, temperatures range from 24 degrees to an extreme 41 degrees Celsius. The Southeast winds are blowing at a speed of 10-30 km/hr, causing ocean waves of one meter and above during storms. Cities including Bangkok are also experiencing this hot weather with temperatures varying between 28 to 42 degrees and southwesterly winds at 10-25 km/hr. The Thai Meteorological Department warns citizens about this extreme weather and advises against spending time in open areas. They predict thunderstorms in at least 11 provinces and urge people to remain cautious. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

EEC Office Finalises High-Speed Rail Districts Development Plan File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia commons The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office has nearly finished a business development plan for districts in Chon Buri and Chachoengsao. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326132-eec-office-finalises-high-speed-rail-districts-development-plan/

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Wikipedia commons The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office has nearly finished a business development plan for districts in Chon Buri and Chachoengsao. These districts are part of an upcoming high-speed rail system linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. The EEC will present the plan to the EEC Policy Committee for approval, and then to the Cabinet next year. EEC director, Sirima Hiruncharoenvate, says the plan includes building railway stations in Pattaya City and Chachoengsao. The aim is to improve areas around the stations without land expropriation. Landowners can submit ideas to the office for this collaborative project. A part of the plan includes dividing a 280-rai land parcel, located in Tambon Na Kleau and Tambon Nong Prue of Bang Lamung district, into three functional zones. The first, covering 97 rai, will serve as the rail service's operational center. The second area, 83 rai, will work as a transit hub and house a multipurpose complex for international business, trade, tourism, and services. The final 100 rai sector will be dedicated to residential project development. Veekij Manarojkij, head of the Bang Lamung district office, believes the high-speed train project will boost local businesses and tourism. He also acknowledged the public’s concerns about understanding the difference between the upcoming high-speed rail project and the newly opened dual-track train line in Hua Hin. -- 2024-04-29 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe