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Thailand's former Deputy PM and Sports Authority of Thailand Chairman, General Prawit Wongsuwon, has faced scrutiny following the exposure of his vast wealth and assets, including a collection of luxury cars worth 87 million Baht, by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The 78-year-old chief of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) declared in the triennial financial report- required by his position- that he was single and possessed total assets worth 87.84 million Baht, with a minor debt of 757 Baht. Gens Prawit's assets comprise of considerable bank deposits of 40.48 million Baht, investments of approximately 6.53 million Baht, prime real estate in Bangkok and Pathum Thani totalling around 10 million Baht, and a fleet of five luxury vehicles amounting to 13.6 million Baht, among others. Outstanding among his assets were his luxury vehicles, including a 4 million Baht Jaguar I-Pace AWD HSE and a 2.5 million Baht Mercedes Benz V250d. Also included in his declaration were a TW Steel watch, nine valuable rings, and three handguns. Gen. Prawit's comparatively modest annual income of 2.34 million Baht raised eyebrows, fuelling discussions about his wealth's actual magnitude. The disclosure becomes more significant considering previous controversies involving the General, including allegations of false asset declarations related to luxury items. Despite his refutations, the new revelations have again cast doubt on Gen. Prawit's true wealth and incited further public investigations into his alleged impropriety. Top Picture: Courtesy of Wikipedia -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Revamps Sidewalk Standards for Better Pedestrian Access File photo for reference only The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out new footpath standards aimed at improving the pedestrian experience. To achieve this, the BMA plans to expand the city's footpath network by adding 16 new routes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326042-bangkok-revamps-sidewalk-standards-for-better-pedestrian-access/

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out new footpath standards aimed at improving the pedestrian experience. To achieve this, the BMA plans to expand the city's footpath network by adding 16 new routes. Each sidewalk will be designed uniquely, in line with its neighborhood's specific identity, and will be robust enough to endure usual wear and tear. City Hall spokesperson, Ekwaranyu Amrapal, and Pathumwan District chief inspected some of these sidewalks on Ratchadamri and Phloen Chit Roads, both of which are part of the initial implementation of the new standards. They also checked the new designs of drainage covers, which will reflect the local identity of each area. The architectural layout of the sidewalks will be with a goal of ensuring a seamless interaction between the entrances and exits of adjacent buildings and the sidewalks. This step will guarantee easier and safer access for pedestrians. In the first phase of this project, 1,000 kilometers of footpaths will be renovated using three approaches: creation of entirely new sidewalks, urgent repairs of damaged spots, and the introduction of area-specific innovations. As of now, 16 routes are being remodeled according to these new standards, including Ratchadamri, Phloen Chit, and Udomsuk Roads. Top File photo for reference only -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran Festival Boosts Thai Economy by 140 Billion Baht Songkran. Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons The Songkran Festival, celebrated between April 1-21, led to a significant economic upturn in Thailand, raking in revenue of 140.335 billion baht, which exceeded the Ministry of Tourism's initial estimate of 132 billion baht. The numbers were shared by the country's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326040-songkran-festival-boosts-thai-economy-by-140-billion-baht/

The Songkran Festival, celebrated between April 1-21, led to a significant economic upturn in Thailand, raking in revenue of 140.335 billion baht, which exceeded the Ministry of Tourism's initial estimate of 132 billion baht. The numbers were shared by the country's Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsupakitkosol. A total of 1,926,443 international tourists partook in the festival, contributing 90.208 billion baht to Thailand's economy. Local tourism also thrived with 13,897,988 domestic trips adding another 50.127 billion baht. The highest revenue on a five-day count from April 12-16 was 38.034 billion baht, marking a 37.54% spike from last year. Relaxed visa rules, abolished TM.6 forms, and government schemes fueled this surge. The mix of tourists was diverse, with visitors mostly from China, Malaysia, India, Russia, South Korea, Laos, the UK, Taiwan, USA, and Indonesia. Chinese tourists alone recorded an 89.16% surge compared to the previous year. The festival revenue largely streamed from various segments. Accommodation costs totaled to 42.069 billion baht, food and beverages followed with 33.069 billion, souvenir and merchandise costs were 26.839 billion, transportation expenses were 15.505 billion, while entertainment costs were 14.758 million. Tourist services amounted to 5.865 million, with 2.230 million baht spent on miscellaneous expenses. Songkran. Picture courtesy of Wikimedia Commons -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Governor Supports Special Admin Status File photo courtesy of Thai PBS Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat, has endorsed a proposal to grant the province special administrative status similar to those in Bangkok and Pattaya. Sophon communicated his stance at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting at Phuket Merlin Hotel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326039-phuket-governor-supports-special-admin-status/

Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat, has endorsed a proposal to grant the province special administrative status similar to those in Bangkok and Pattaya. Sophon communicated his stance at the 2024 Phuket Chamber of Commerce (PCC) Annual General Meeting at Phuket Merlin Hotel. The governor lauded the PCC for fostering synergy between the private sector and government entities, thus boosting the province’s economic and societal growth while curbing various challenges. Sophon stressed the need to amplify Phuket’s fiscal autonomy, which he believes is currently capped by a limited budget. A modified scheme where Phuket has greater leverage over tax collection and budget allocation would ideally solve this predicament. Sophon proposed the appointment of an elected provincial governor and introduced a reformed budget distribution strategy. Part of the provincial GDP and tax income would be locally reinvested, spawning inter-provincial competition to stimulate economic expansion. The governor also outlined ambitious infrastructure plans to tackle Phuket’s immediate obstacles. These include creating four new traffic routes, expanding traffic lanes, and improving water infrastructure. A notable project involves sourcing water from Cheow Lan Lake in Surat Thani to mitigate recurring water scarcity. Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, backed the water project during his Phuket visit, pledging about 16 billion baht for the province’s development ventures. The PM emphasised robust wastewater and garbage management enforcement to avert waste dumping into public water bodies. The call for Phuket’s transition to a special administrative status represents a revolutionary shakeup in its governance system with possible impacts on its economic development and growth path. Ahead of PM Srettha’s Phuket visit, Wirintra Paphakityotphat, leader of the Tourism Council of Thailand Region 11 branch, submitted four formal petitions to the PM, the foremost being to permit Phuket to become a Special Administrative Zone. Top File photo courtesy of Thai PBS -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Three Dead, Seven Injured in Pickup Truck Accident in Thailand File photo for reference only A pickup truck carrying religious ceremony attendees from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat tragically flipped on Southern Road in Surat Thani province, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries. The accident occurred early morning near the entrance of Ban Marueat village on Highway 44. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326037-three-dead-seven-injured-in-pickup-truck-accident-in-thailand/

A pickup truck carrying religious ceremony attendees from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat tragically flipped on Southern Road in Surat Thani province, resulting in three deaths and seven injuries. The accident occurred early morning near the entrance of Ban Marueat village on Highway 44. The involved vehicle was a white pickup truck with license plate number ขง2692 from Surat Thani. According to witnesses, the pickup suddenly lost control and flipped, causing the mishap. Among the passengers was a mother tightly holding her daughter. The emergency services, alerted by Police Lieutenant Nathdanai Rungreuang of the Kanchanadit Police Station, promptly arrived at the scene and transported eight individuals to the Kanchanadit Hospital. Panee Chaiyakul (49), Surachet Chaiyakul (31), Jeerapa Inprang, Wipawarn Tamsaeng, Suwit Changsar, and Pakin Khumprom were among those injured, all suffering various abrasions. Montathip Chaiyakul and young Chanapha Khumprom sustained severe injuries, and Chanapha was later declared dead at the hospital. Two other fatalities, Nattakan Pharachatree (27) and Bundarik Chaiyakul (24), were reported at the scene. Newshawk Phuket reported the incident on Facebook, stating that 10 individuals were involved in the accident near the Don Sak intersection. Other unfortunate news followed, as two individuals lost their lives in a motorcycle crash in Nakhon Ratchasima following a police chase initiated by the Chaloem Phra Kiat Police Station. TOP File photo for reference only -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nationwide Inspection of Chemical Warehouses Ordered by Thai Government File photo for reference only. The government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has ordered immediate scrutiny of all chemical warehouses in the country following a series of recent fires. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326036-nationwide-inspection-of-chemical-warehouses-ordered-by-thai-government/

The government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has ordered immediate scrutiny of all chemical warehouses in the country following a series of recent fires. The latest incident was at a warehouse of President Chemical Co Ltd in Bangkok’s Chom Thong district, where locals noticed smoke emitting from the site alongside a strong chemical smell. On arrival, Bangkok's Fire and Rescue Department discovered 12 leaking chemical waste barrels, two containing thiourea often found in fertilisers. This has raised concerns about potential harm to local water sources. Although the warehouse had a spotless record, this event shortly follows a similar fire at a factory in Rayong owned by Win Process Co, resulting in local evacuations. The Ministry of Industry has been tasked to accelerate inspections due to many chemicals' sensitivity to heat, which could lead to ignition in prevailing high temperatures. A comprehensive plan is being developed to prevent future hazardous chemical leaks. Visits of affected warehouses, including the facility in Rayong, by the Prime Minister are in the pipeline. Though firefighters have partially tamed the fire at Bangkok, it is yet to be totally doused. This is the Thailand's third chemical warehouse fire this year, following incidents in Ayutthaya and Rayong. Consequently, Industry Minister Pimphattra Wichaikul has ordered the Industrial Works Department to raise fire hazard awareness in factories. Top: File photo for reference only. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Homeless Man Arrested for Brutal Beach Assault in Cha-Am Cha-Am beach. File photo Wikipedia commons A homeless man was apprehended by police for savagely attacking a sub-district chief on Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi province. The victim is presently in a critical condition in a nearby hospital. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326035-homeless-man-arrested-for-brutal-beach-assault-in-cha-am/

A homeless man was apprehended by police for savagely attacking a sub-district chief on Cha-am Beach, Phetchaburi province. The victim is presently in a critical condition in a nearby hospital. The incident was brought to light by Wissuta Wannathippakorn, the victim's daughter who was concerned that the perpetrator might not be caught, given that the CCTV cameras at the crime scene were non-functional. She described how she and her father, along with some other officials, had gone to a hotel at the beach for a seminar. She further explained that her father, Sommart Wannathippakorn, had decided to enjoy the beach atmosphere at around 10 am, sat on a beach chair to photograph the sea, and subsequently dozed off, only to wake up severely injured without any memory of the attack. The assault resulted in critical injuries to Sommart, including a fractured facial bone, broken nose, a brain hemorrhage, and other complications. The attacker also stole her father’s mobile phone and some cash. Thai online users initially suspected the chair vendor due to prior similar occurrences. However, tracking the stolen phone's signal led the police to a local phone shop. The shop owner revealed that they had bought the stolen phone from a homeless man. Further investigations and security camera footage identified the attacker as 35-year-old Chaowarit Thanawaratorn. Chaowarit confessed to attacking Sommart with a discarded iron rod when he woke up while his belongings were being searched. He was arrested near the scene of the crime on Jao Lai Road. TOP: Cha-Am beach. File photo Wikipedia commons -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ammonia Leak at Udon Thani Ice Factory Leads to Evacuation Panic set in when an ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Udon Thani, Thailand, led to the evacuation of around 20 homes in the area. The leak, which occurred around 6 am, is thought to have been triggered by high temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius and dated machinery. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326034-ammonia-leak-at-udon-thani-ice-factory-leads-to-evacuation/

Panic set in when an ammonia gas leak at an ice factory in Udon Thani, Thailand, led to the evacuation of around 20 homes in the area. The leak, which occurred around 6 am, is thought to have been triggered by high temperatures of up to 44 degrees Celsius and dated machinery. The factory is located in the Sri Samran sub-district, near a fresh market. The release of the harmful gas caused alarm as residents and market vendors quickly left the area. Local Thai authorities advised people within a 300-metre radius of the factory to evacuate and seek medical help if they were exposed to the gas. Factory workers promptly responded to the leak by covering the affected tank with ice, curtailing further ammonia discharge. Officers confirmed the leak was contained by 9:30 am. This incident follows a less severe leak last year at the same facility. Healthcare personnel, along with administrative officers, were sent to the site to assist and assess the local residents affected by the leak. The factory, which produces 100 tonnes of ice daily and houses up to 2,400 litres of ammonia in two machines, is under scrutiny by local administration and public health officials for safety assurance and determining the cause of the leak. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Yingluck's Corruption Case Dismissed by Anti-graft Agency Yingluck Shinawatra. File photo Wikipedia commons Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously decided not to challenge the Supreme Court's acquittal of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others regarding allegations of improper dealings tied to a 240-million baht public relations campaign. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326033-yinglucks-corruption-case-dismissed-by-anti-graft-agency/

Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has unanimously decided not to challenge the Supreme Court's acquittal of ex-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and five others regarding allegations of improper dealings tied to a 240-million baht public relations campaign. The charges stated that they had misused their authority by not conducting public tenders for the campaign, favouring media firms Matichon Plc and Siam Sport Syndicate Plc. The NACC alleged that funds for the campaign, aimed at promoting government infrastructure initiatives, were wasted when the associated roadshow was halted after a Constitutional Court ruled against the legislative proposal for the intended 2-trillion-baht loan. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, stating there was no harm to the state regarding contract negotiations and fund distribution. It noted that government organisations and the Cabinet supported the initiatives and the Budget Bureau permitted the contingency fund allocation for the PR project. The dismissal of the case removes further obstacles for ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra - Yingluck’s brother- to regain full political control. Both Thaksin and Yingluck left Thailand to avoid jail sentences handed down by the Supreme Court for separate charges. Thaksin's return to Thailand and subsequent parole has sparked rumours that Yingluck may follow suit, solidifying the Pheu Thai Party’s stronghold, now led by Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn. TOP: Yingluck Shinawatra. File photo Wikipedia commons -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chonburi Immigration Office Announces Holiday Closures in May Picture courtesy Chonburi Immigration The Chonburi Immigration Office has released its schedule for the upcoming public holidays in May, detailing its closures for several key dates in the month. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326032-chonburi-immigration-office-announces-holiday-closures-in-may/

Picture courtesy Chonburi Immigration The Chonburi Immigration Office has released its schedule for the upcoming public holidays in May, detailing its closures for several key dates in the month. The closure days include May 4th to 6th for the Coronation Day and its substitution day, as well as May 10th to 12th for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day and its substitution day. The office will also be closed on May 22nd for Visakha Bucha Day. On Visakha Bucha Day, there will also be a ban on alcohol sales and venues selling alcohol such as bars will be closed. Restaurants will also not be permitted to sell alcohol on this day. However, the immigration office will operate normally on the National Labor Day, which will be observed on May 1st. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fully Electric Songthaews to be Trialled in Pattaya Fle photo: Wikimedia Commons License via Google Pattaya City in Thailand has received 12 fully electric Hilux Revo-e pickup buses, commonly known as Songthaews or Baht Buses, from Toyota. The move is part of an initiative to transform Pattaya into a zero-emission city. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326031-fully-electric-songthaews-to-be-trialled-in-pattaya/

Fle photo: Wikimedia Commons License via Google Pattaya City in Thailand has received 12 fully electric Hilux Revo-e pickup buses, commonly known as Songthaews or Baht Buses, from Toyota. The move is part of an initiative to transform Pattaya into a zero-emission city. Pattaya City Mayor Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, Toyota Motor Thailand Deputy Managing Director Mr. Surabhumi Udomwong, and Pattaya Transport Cooperative Chairman Mr. Rewat Sienchin were present at the event. These battery-powered vehicles are part of the joint “Sustainable Zero-Emission City Prototype Project” undertaken by Pattaya City and Toyota. The project's goal is to enhance Pattaya’s public transport systems using eco-friendly vehicles, thereby helping the city achieve carbon neutrality. From April 2024 to December 2025, the electric trucks will be used in a public bus trial, serving the route from Bali Hai Pier-South Pattaya to the Banglamung District Office. The fares for these services will be in line with the Pattaya Transport Cooperative's existing rates. This trial is one of the first of its kind in Thailand, where electric vehicles are being used as public transportation. It's a major step towards establishing a completely sustainable public transport system in Pattaya City. This isn't Thailand's first foray into electric public transport, with a similar small-scale test having previously occurred in Chiang Mai. -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Crew Rescued Amidst Yacht Fire Near Pattaya Coast File photo for reference only. Creative Commons License via Google A yacht recently refurbished unexpectedly caught fire during a test run off Pattaya's Na Jomtien beach. However, the boat’s three crew members were rescued without injury, confirmed Amarin TV on the evening of April 26. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326027-crew-rescued-amidst-yacht-fire-near-pattaya-coast/

A yacht recently refurbished unexpectedly caught fire during a test run off Pattaya's Na Jomtien beach. However, the boat’s three crew members were rescued without injury, confirmed Amarin TV on the evening of April 26. Upon noticing the growing fire on the yacht named Coco, with thick black smoke visible across the Pattaya coast, local authorities including the Sattahip Marine Police, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, and Pattaya Harbour Office were alerted at 3 p.m. Despite rescue boats immediately scurrying to douse the flames, they were unable to extinguish the fire within half an hour. Nevertheless, they successfully evacuated all three crew members aboard the burning yacht. The vessel, registered as 492300301, is 13.25 metres long and 4.10 metres wide. According to the yacht's captain, the fire broke out on their boat's test run following its repair. Flames sprung from the exhaust pipe while it was sailing off Na Jomtien beach. Although the crew attempted to control the fire, it quickly spread across the yacht, prompting an urgent call for help. In response to the incident, the Pattaya Harbour Office has banned the yacht's use and summoned its owner for an inquiry. Top File photo for reference only. Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Voice TV, a Pro-Thaksin Channel, Shuts Down Creative Commons License via Google Voice TV, famously known for its pro-Thaksin stance, announced a surprising closure after being operational for 15 years. Its unexpected shutdown is set to impact approximately 100 staff members and journalists. The sudden news has left many questioning the cause, as no immediate explanation was given. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326026-voice-tv-a-pro-thaksin-channel-shuts-down/

Voice TV, famously known for its pro-Thaksin stance, announced a surprising closure after being operational for 15 years. Its unexpected shutdown is set to impact approximately 100 staff members and journalists. The sudden news has left many questioning the cause, as no immediate explanation was given. Launched in 2008, Voice TV started as a specialized satellite channel and extended its services to digital terrestrial platforms in 2014. In 2019, after undergoing financial struggles, it abandoned its digital TV platform, returning to its roots as a satellite channel, and streaming content online via YouTube and Facebook. Voice TV is renowned for supporting the Shinawatra family, leading to stirring debates. The channel's former anchors, including high-profile names such as Pannika Wanich and Piyabutr Saengkanokkul, switched their careers from journalism to politics. In other developments, the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed the hefty 2.8 billion baht lawsuit against the iTV Public Company, filed by the Prime Minister’s Office secretariat. The lawsuit was related to a joint agreement with Shin Corp to set up a TV station employing UHF spectrum, a point of contention since 2007. General Sittichai Makkunchorn, spokesperson for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, however, called for responsible broadcasting following a public uproar on the media's exposure of violent content. The call comes after a Thailand domestic violence case where a man killed his wife was widely covered, sparking conversations around ethics in broadcasting such material. Creative Commons License via Google -- 2024-04-27 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe