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UPDATE: Psychiatric patient’s actions lead to fatal crash during transfer by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Mahanakhon Khon Kaen A police officer lost his life while transferring a psychiatric patient to a hospital in the Isaan province of Loei after the patient grabbed the steering wheel of the vehicle causing it to crash. Three other police officers sustained injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325585-police-truck-flips-over-mentally-ill-detainee-grabbed-steering-wheel-one-person-dead/?do=findComment&comment=18860929

Psychiatric patient’s actions lead to fatal crash during transfer by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Mahanakhon Khon Kaen A police officer lost his life while transferring a psychiatric patient to a hospital in the Isaan province of Loei after the patient grabbed the steering wheel of the vehicle causing it to crash. Three other police officers sustained injuries. A motorist witnessed a police car overturned on the side of Ban Nongtana Road in the Pha Khao district of Loei province and reported the accident at Pha Khao Police Station. All of the injured victims managed to exit the damaged vehicle safely, except for one officer who remained trapped and, tragically, did not survive. The deceased was identified as Police Captain Waeha Chaising. According to the surviving police officers, the mother of a psychiatric patient sought police intervention when her son became uncontrollable around 12.30pm yesterday, April 21. Subsequently, four police officers responded by attending to the home of the psychiatric patient in the Nong Hin district of Loei to address the situation. After effectively calming the patient, the officers proceeded to escort him to the hospital for additional treatment. They allowed the mentally ill individual to sit inside the police pickup without restraints, with his mother accompanying him. Despite efforts to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, the situation took a tragic turn when the patient unexpectedly seized control of the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and overturn. Waeha, sitting next to the driver, was seriously injured and unable to get out of the car leading to his death. Waeha was about to retire on September 30 of this year after serving in the crime suppression department of the Pha Khao Police Station. He intended to transition to standby duty within the police station rather than working outdoors following the conclusion of the Songkran Festival, in anticipation of his retirement. Waeha’s family members, friends, and colleagues expressed their condolences on social media platforms. Many Thai netizens expressed concerns about the safety protocols for officers handling mentally ill patients, while others raised questions about drug issues in Thailand, speculating about the patient’s potential history of drug use. Source:: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mekong River facing dam construction crisis The Mekong River is facing a crisis and is gradually deteriorating due to the impacts of climate change and the construction of dams, which severely affect the river’s ecosystem. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325594-mekong-river-facing-dam-construction-crisis/

The Mekong River is facing a crisis and is gradually deteriorating due to the impacts of climate change and the construction of dams, which severely affect the river’s ecosystem. Thai PBS World interviewed Brian Eyler, an expert on transboundary issues in the Mekong region who specialises in China’s economic cooperation with Southeast Asia, to discuss the effects of dams on the Mekong River’s flow and suggest potential solutions to save this mighty river. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Motorbike taxi driver splash spat with tourist sparks row by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News A splash spat between a Thai Win motorbike taxi driver and an Indian tourist during Pattaya’s Songkran festivity ignited when the foreigner got drenched. The kerfuffle arose when the Win driver’s playful seven year old son soaked the tourist, triggering a heated altercation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325560-songkran-splashing-sparks-fight-between-pattaya-win-driver-and-indian-tourist/?do=findComment&comment=18860878

Motorbike taxi driver splash spat with tourist sparks row by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Pattaya News A splash spat between a Thai Win motorbike taxi driver and an Indian tourist during Pattaya’s Songkran festivity ignited when the foreigner got drenched. The kerfuffle arose when the Win driver’s playful seven year old son soaked the tourist, triggering a heated altercation. The entire event took place on Pattaya Second Road towards Khao Phra Tamnak around 7pm on April 18. The escalating tension was caught on camera, showing the Thai driver pursuing and confronting the Indian tourist amidst the Songkran festivities. The video further illustrated the driver attempting to hit the tourist. However, the situation was defused as onlookers stepped in and separated the two parties. This incident quickly gained traction on social media, drawing mainly criticism towards the motorbike taxi driver. The majority of the netizens expressed their disappointment over the driver’s conduct, which they believed tarnished the reputation of Pattaya by intimidating the visitor. The Win driver, identified only as Boom, later spoke with local media to explain his side of the story. The 34 year old claimed that his actions were not an attack on the tourist but rather a defensive move to safeguard his son. Boom clarified that his son was innocently playing with water nearby when he accidentally splashed water on the passerby tourist. This unintentional act infuriated the tourist, who allegedly tried to grab his son’s arm. This behaviour provoked Boom, leading to the chase and confrontation captured in the one-minute video clip. While Boom expressed remorse over the incident, he stood firm on his stance of not apologising for protecting his child. He also mentioned that the tourist seemingly failed to comprehend that water splashing is a significant part of the Songkran tradition. As of now, the Indian tourist has not filed an official complaint regarding the incident. However, the Pattaya police have acknowledged the matter and are presently conducting further investigations, reported Pattaya News. “It was not an attack, I was just protecting my son.” The incident has stirred a social media storm, with most users condemning the driver’s actions. “This is not the way to treat visitors. It’s a shame for Pattaya.” Though the incident has cast a shadow over the Songkran festivities, it serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of embracing and honouring local customs when journeying abroad. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Scorching heat sparks storm warning across 26 Thai provinces by Nattapong Westwood The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning of thunderstorms across 26 provinces, accompanied by strong gusts in some areas. Amidst scorching heat, temperatures are expected to soar as high as 41 degrees Celsius today, April 22. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325593-scorching-heat-sparks-storm-warning-across-26-thai-provinces/

The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning of thunderstorms across 26 provinces, accompanied by strong gusts in some areas. Amidst scorching heat, temperatures are expected to soar as high as 41 degrees Celsius today, April 22. A low-pressure system caused by intense heat covering the upper part of Thailand is contributing to the generally hot to very hot weather conditions, with isolated thundershowers expected during the day. Residents are advised to take care of their health due to the extreme heat by avoiding outdoor activities for prolonged periods. While southwesterly and southerly winds prevail over upper Thailand, this pattern leads to thunderstorms and possibly strong winds in some areas. The public in these regions should remain vigilant against the dangers posed by the storms and gusts during this period. For the Andaman Sea and the lower south, westerly and northwesterly winds are combining with easterly and southeasterly winds over the lower Gulf of Thailand, leading to increased rainfall in the lower southern region, including heavy rain in some places. In the Andaman Sea, the sea conditions are expected to be rough with waves reaching about 1 metre in height and exceeding 1 metre in stormy areas. Mariners are cautioned to navigate carefully and avoid sailing in storm-affected zones. During this period, the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions are experiencing moderate to high levels of dust and haze accumulation due to weak winds and poor air circulation. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today until 6am tomorrow indicates hot to very hot conditions across the northern region, with isolated thundershowers expected, affecting about 10% of the area, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Tak provinces. The lowest temperatures are predicted to be between 23-29 degrees Celsius, while the highest could range from 38-43 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds are expected to blow at speeds of 5-15 kilometres per hour. Thunderstorms forecasted Similar conditions are expected in the northeastern region, with thunderstorms forecasted for about 10% of the area, especially in Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures are likely to vary between 24-28 degrees Celsius for the lows and 39-41 degrees Celsius for the highs, with southwesterly winds at speeds of 5-15 kilometres per hour. The central region will also experience generally hot to very hot weather, with isolated thunderstorms in about 10% of the area, mainly in Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Uthai Thani. The temperature range is expected to be 26-30 degrees Celsius for the low and 39-42 degrees Celsius for the high, with southwesterly winds at 10-20 kilometres per hour. In the eastern region, the weather is generally hot, with very hot conditions in some areas and thunderstorms affecting about 20% of the region, particularly in Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures are expected to be 26-30 degrees Celsius for the low and 35-41 degrees Celsius for the high, with southerly winds at speeds of 10-30 kilometres per hour and waves in the sea less than one metre high, rising above one metre in stormy conditions. The southern region (east coast) is forecasted to be hot during the day, with very hot weather in some places and thunderstorms affecting about 20% of the area, mainly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. The temperatures are likely to range from 24-28 degrees Celsius for the low and 35-40 degrees Celsius for the high, with westerly winds at speeds of 10-30 kilometres per hour and sea waves below 1 metre, increasing above 1 metre during storms. The southern region (west coast) will also experience hot weather during the day, with thunderstorms expected in about 30% of the area and heavy rain in some places, especially in Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The temperature is predicted to be 26-27 degrees Celsius for the low and 35-38 degrees Celsius for the high, with northwesterly winds at speeds of 15-30 kilometres per hour and sea waves around one metre high, rising above 1 metre in stormy conditions. For Bangkok and its vicinity, the conditions are expected to be hot to very hot during the day, with isolated thundershowers. The lowest temperatures could be 29-30 degrees Celsius, and the highest could range from 37-41 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds at speeds of 10-25 kilometres per hour. The weather today continues to pose challenges with the warning of thunderstorms in 26 provinces, strong winds in some areas, and a persistently hot climate with temperatures expected to reach 41 degrees Celsius. by Nattapong Westwood Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Military Defence reforms raise concerns among military brass by Bob Scott Picture of Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang courtesy of Thai PBS Proposed reforms to the administrative laws governing the Defence Ministry and amendments to the Military Court charter have raised concerns among senior military officials, as they apprehend potential political meddling in military matters, disclosed a trustworthy military insider. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325547-legislation-prepared-for-pm-to-suspend-commanders-suspected-of-hatching-coups/?do=findComment&comment=18860816

Military Defence reforms raise concerns among military brass by Bob Scott Picture of Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang courtesy of Thai PBS Proposed reforms to the administrative laws governing the Defence Ministry and amendments to the Military Court charter have raised concerns among senior military officials, as they apprehend potential political meddling in military matters, disclosed a trustworthy military insider. The proposed amendments, acknowledged at a Defence Ministry meeting last week, include new criteria for promoting generals and the power for the prime minister to suspend high-ranking officers suspected of orchestrating a military coup. The proposal also includes the addition of two members to the currently three-member council. However, the military source indicated that the armed forces remain uninformed about the specifics of the proposal, which was advocated for adoption by Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang at the council meeting on April 19, said a source. “A working group has been established by Mr Sutin to draft amendments to the two laws, chaired by Gen Somsak Rungsita. However, no details of the proposal were divulged at the meeting.” The military source also suggested that the two additional council members would likely be government representatives. Uncertainty shrouds the potential impact of the proposed changes on the composition of the Seven-Tiger Board, responsible for overseeing high-level military reshuffles. The board traditionally consists of seven members: the defence permanent secretary, the chief of defence forces, the commanders-in-chief of the army, air force and navy, the defence minister, and a deputy defence minister, if one is in place. The board’s composition decreases to six members if a deputy defence minister is not appointed by the government, added the source. “At this stage, it’s uncertain whether the board will maintain its current composition.” The introduction of more government representatives to the board could diminish the bargaining power of the military leaders over military reshuffles. Under the existing system, armed forces leaders, with a majority of five votes, have significant influence over crucial promotions, including the commander-in-chief positions, reported Bangkok Post. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Polish man falls to his death from 62-metre cell tower in Surat Thani by Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV A Polish man jumped to his death from a 62-metre cell tower in the southern province of Surat Thani on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325590-polish-man-falls-to-his-death-from-62-metre-cell-tower-in-surat-thani/

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by Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV A Polish man jumped to his death from a 62-metre cell tower in the southern province of Surat Thani on Friday. Chaiya Police Station officers were notified that a foreign man climbed to the top of a mobile phone tower in the Chaiya district of Surat Thani on Friday, April 19. When they arrived, they found a crowd of people gathered and the authorities from a nearby district office came to persuade the man to climb down. Residents in the vicinity alerted the police to the presence of a foreign man exhibiting aggressive behaviour whilst wielding a wooden stick along the road. Subsequently, he trespassed onto residents’ properties, causing damage, before ascending the tower. Prior to the police’s arrival, a rescue team tried for over 30 minutes to persuade the man to come down but had no success. The individual was later observed atop the tower, devoid of a shirt, unmoved and unresponsive to both authorities and locals attempting to engage him in conversation. In an attempt to establish communication, an English language teacher was summoned to the scene but the man remained unresponsive. After sitting at the top of the tower motionless for over two hours, the man suddenly jumped. He was pronounced dead at the scene and was later identified as a 49 year old Polish national. The motive behind his decision to commit suicide has not yet been determined. Officers stated that they would contact his family to deliver the tragic news. A similar incident was reported earlier this month when a Thai woman climbed a cell tower in Pattaya due to stress over financial problems. Fortunately, a rescue team was able to persuade the woman to return to the ground. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai), or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress, or depression. Seek help. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Bright TV Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Over 5 million senior Thais still working without formal education by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Eco-Business The National Statistical Office (NSO) reveals that over 5 million senior Thais, with the majority lacking formal education, continue to work to sustain their livelihoods. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325589-over-5-million-senior-thais-still-working-without-formal-education/

The National Statistical Office (NSO) reveals that over 5 million senior Thais, with the majority lacking formal education, continue to work to sustain their livelihoods. This demographic represents approximately 19.5% of the nation’s 66 million population, or 13.64 million individuals aged 60 and above, according to the NSO’s annual survey conducted in July and August of the previous year. Suwannee Wangkan, the NSO deputy director, disclosed that the number of seniors needing to work — approximately 37.5% of the over-60s population — showed a rise from 4.74 million in 2022 to the current 5.11 million. Men accounted for 48.1% of this workforce, while women comprised 29.4%. The elderly population predominantly resides in the northeastern, northern, and southern regions of Thailand. In Bangkok alone, nearly a quarter of the senior population is employed. Additionally, the NSO observed an uptick in the number of elderly individuals living and working in solitude. Of the 5.11 million seniors who are employed, a staggering 68.1% either never attended school or only completed elementary school. A further 15.6% didn’t finish primary school, 11.3% never completed secondary school, and 5% did not graduate from university. The labour distribution among the senior population shows that 59.3% are employed in the agriculture and fishing industries, 30.5% in the service sector, and the remaining 10.2% in manufacturing. The average monthly income for a senior worker stands at 12,151 baht, with those in agriculture earning an average of 5,796 baht. The NSO also uncovered a significant proportion of elderly workers in informal jobs lacking access to social security benefits. A worrying 86.8% face job instability. The NSO has recommended state agencies, including the labour ministry, devise strategies to support the growing senior workforce, ensuring better welfare such as fair pay and employment opportunities. In the NSO’s 2023 Household Economic and Social Situation Survey, nationwide households were found to earn an average monthly income of 29,030 baht. Of this income, 70.5% is derived from daily wages, salaries, business profits, and farm produce, while 14.5% is sourced from non-monetary avenues. The average monthly expenditure per household is 23,695 baht, with the top three expenditure categories being food and water (35.3%), housing and rent payments (21.9%), and travel-related costs including vehicle payments (16%). Households carry an average total debt of 197,255 baht, with 77.7% tied to housing expenses such as home or land purchase or rental, consumption payments, and education debt. The remaining 22.3% of the debt is related to investments and other reasons, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Eco-Business Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Man Assaulted by Drunk Group During Wanlai, 9-Year-Old Nephew Kicked in the Face By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Khaosod Pattaya —A Thai man in Pattaya was assaulted by a group of intoxicated men while riding his motorbike with his two nephews (aged 9 and 4) and mother on April 19th, 2024. The incident occurred during the recent Wanlai Day. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325588-pattaya-man-assaulted-by-drunk-group-during-wanlai-9-year-old-nephew-kicked-in-the-face/

Pattaya —A Thai man in Pattaya was assaulted by a group of intoxicated men while riding his motorbike with his two nephews (aged 9 and 4) and mother on April 19th, 2024. The incident occurred during the recent Wanlai Day. The victim, Mr. Theerawat Sawasdirak, reported the assault to Pattaya police on April 20th. He recounted the incident, saying he was riding a motorbike home with his two young nephews and mother when he drove past a parked pickup truck where a group of intoxicated men were playing water and listening to loud music in celebration of Wanlai Day in Pattaya. As they were passing, one of the intoxicated men reportedly threw water at his face, nearly causing him to lose control of his motorbike. Mr. Theerawat stopped his vehicle and confronted the group, questioning why they splashed water directly at his face instead of his body. He emphasized to the group the danger it posed to his nephews and mother on the back of the motorbike. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Khaosod Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

20 Tons of Garbage Left Behind After Wan Lai in Pattaya But City Cleaners Quickly Resolve Problem By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya —Over 20 tons of garbage was left behind in Pattaya after Wan Lai Day or the Big Day of Songkran took place on April 19th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325587-20-tons-of-garbage-left-behind-after-wan-lai-in-pattaya/

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Pattaya —Over 20 tons of garbage was left behind in Pattaya after Wan Lai Day or the Big Day of Songkran took place on April 19th, 2024. Pattaya Deputy Mayor Mr. Manoch Nongyai visited Pattaya Beach on Saturday morning to inspect the area and provide support to the Pattaya City Environment Office workers who were busy cleaning up after the Wanlai festivities. Pattaya hosted Wanlai celebrations last Friday to mark the end of Songkran. According to the deputy mayor, the celebrations generated 20 tons of waste mostly strewn around Beach Road. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Truck Flips Over in Loei: Mentally Ill Detainee Grabbed Steering Wheel, One Person Dead, Three Injured By Kittisak Phalaharn Loei—On April 21st, 2024, Pha Khao police officers received a report from locals that a patrol police truck flipped over on Nong Tana-Non Somboon Road, Pha Khao, Loei, causing three injuries and one casualty. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325585-police-truck-flips-over-mentally-ill-detainee-grabbed-steering-wheel-one-person-dead/

Loei—On April 21st, 2024, Pha Khao police officers received a report from locals that a patrol police truck flipped over on Nong Tana-Non Somboon Road, Pha Khao, Loei, causing three injuries and one casualty. Pha Khao emergency services and police officers were dispatched to the accident scene and found a Pha Khao patrol police truck flipped over at the roadside and collided with many trees. It was reported that three police officers were able to crawl from the flipped-over police truck and one officer was still stuck inside. The rescue teams attempted to rescue the remaining officer from the truck, however, the officer was later pronounced deceased at the scene. According to the police report, Pha Khao police officers previously received a report from locals that a mentally ill man was acting abnormally. Four patrol police officers then went to pick up the mentally ill individual at the hospital to receive medical treatment at a special psychiatric facility. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Three People Rescued from Drowning at Phuket Beach By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Three Thai tourists have been rescued from drowning at the Nai Harn Beach in Rawai on Friday night (April 19th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325584-three-people-rescued-from-drowning-at-phuket-beach/

Phuket – Three Thai tourists have been rescued from drowning at the Nai Harn Beach in Rawai on Friday night (April 19th). The Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos told The Phuket Express that Rawai Lifeguards were notified that three unidentified Thai male tourists were found struggling in the sea. Lifeguards went out on jet-skis to help them while emergency responders with ambulances were waiting on the beach. 6ea6a73a-bcd8-40a5-9bdc-b7ed59e4b3f2.mp4 By Goongnang Suksawat Source: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tattoo artist stumped by gold necklace left at studio (video) by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of @ armanucha1 TikTok A tattoo artist was left in a state of shock when a customer forgot a large gold necklace at his studio and then became unreachable. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325583-tattoo-artist-stumped-by-gold-necklace-left-at-studio-video/

Picture courtesy of @ armanucha1 TikTok A tattoo artist was left in a state of shock when a customer forgot a large gold necklace at his studio and then became unreachable. This incident, which occurred yesterday, April 20, was shared on TikTok by the username @armanucha1, who found themselves in a perplexing situation with no clear course of action after discovering the valuable item left behind. The video posted by the tattoo artist showcases two thick gold necklaces with Buddha pendants, which were inadvertently left by a customer who had visited the studio for a tattoo session. Upon realizing the customer’s oversight, the artist attempted to make contact to return the items, only to find that the studio had seemingly been blocked by the customer, making communication impossible. As the video circulated online, it attracted a significant number of views and comments. The majority of responses were humorous, with many users joking about the situation. Yet, amidst the jests, there were also various suggestions on how to handle such a find. One commenter shared their experience from working at a hotel in Bangkok, where a similar situation had occurred with a diamond-encrusted gold ring left behind by a guest. According to the hotel’s policy, if lost items are not claimed within a year, they become the property of the person who found them. Another individual recounted a cautionary tale of a customer who accused them of attempting to return a fake gold necklace after they had left it in the person’s home. This resulted in the need to provide video evidence to prove the authenticity of the jewellery before the customer was convinced and finally accepted it back, reported KhaoSod. Amidst the advice and stories, some users questioned whether the video was genuine or simply content created for entertainment. However, the tattoo artist insisted that the gold was real and not counterfeit. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of @ armanucha1 TikTok Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe