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Chinese woman, rescued from cliff fall five years ago returns to thank her saviors Photo: Phataem National Park A Chinese woman, who was rescued by park officials in Ubon Ratchathani after a fall from a cliff about five years ago, returned to the park on Saturday to thank the people who saved her life. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325559-chinese-woman-rescued-from-cliff-fall-five-years-ago-returns-to-thank-her-saviors/

Photo: Phataem National Park A Chinese woman, who was rescued by park officials in Ubon Ratchathani after a fall from a cliff about five years ago, returned to the park on Saturday to thank the people who saved her life. According to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Wang Nan visited the Phataem National Park office in Khong Chiam district to thank the park’s chief, Pramuan Rattanawan, and his officials for their help in saving her life. Photo: Phataem National Park Wang Nan and her husband visited the national park on June 9th, 2019. While standing at the Alexander the Great cliff viewpoint, she fell into the ravine, about 34 metres below. She had been pushed by her husband to claim her inheritance. Fortunately, however, several trees broke her fall, which would otherwise have been fatal. A rescue team from the park was rushed to her rescue and took her to the district hospital for emergency treatment. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Move Forward party leads Pheu Thai by a wide margin in new poll The Move Forward party is leading the Pheu Thai party by a wide margin in terms of popularity, especially among people aged under 20 and those aged 20-29, although the majority say they will not vote for either of the two parties in the next election, according to Super Poll. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325558-move-forward-party-leads-pheu-thai-by-a-wide-margin-in-new-poll/

The Move Forward party is leading the Pheu Thai party by a wide margin in terms of popularity, especially among people aged under 20 and those aged 20-29, although the majority say they will not vote for either of the two parties in the next election, according to Super Poll. Meanwhile, a NIDA Poll shows 39.4% of respondents reject the claim that Pheu Thai is the leader of change, while 18.85% say they don’t believe in Pheu Thai either, compared to 33,67% who believe Pheu Thai is the leader of change in Thai society. The Super Poll Research Centre gauged the opinions of 1,154 people in various professions and occupations between April 15th and 20th. The poll shows 45.1% of the male and 46.1% of the female respondents say they will not vote for either Move Forward or Pheu Thai, but will vote for the other parties. 37.3% of the females and 37% of the males say they will vote for Move Forward. 17.9% of males and 16.6% of females say they will vote for Pheu Thai. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

COVID-19 surges during Songkran festival 1,004 people were admitted for treatment of COVID-19 infections between April 14th and 20th, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director of the Department of Disease Control. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325556-covid-19-surges-during-songkran-festival/

1,004 people were admitted for treatment of COVID-19 infections between April 14th and 20th, according to Dr. Thongchai Keeratihattayakorn, director of the Department of Disease Control. Of those admitted to hospitals, 292 are suffering from lung infections and 101 require ventilators to help with breathing. Three have died and all were either elderly people or had comorbidities. Dr. Thongchai said that the surge in COVID cases during the Songkran festival was not unexpected and most of the cases were found in and around Bangkok and in tourist provinces. Citing a report from the Medical Science Department, most of the cases are related to the Omicron variant and most of the patients developed flu-like symptoms, such as coughs, sore throats, headaches, muscle pains and runny noses, said Dr. Thongchai, adding that the seriousness of the disease has not increased. For safety sake, he suggested the wearing of face masks in crowded places, on public transport and in hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly. Washing hands often is also recommended, as are rapid antigen tests if flu-like symptoms develop, he added. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Dip in Pattaya hotel occupancy despite Songkran festivities by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Pattaya’s hotels and those in neighbouring provinces have seen a dip in occupancy rates during the Wan Lai Songkran festival. This downturn has prompted hoteliers to critique the promotional strategy for the extended 21-day Songkran celebration. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325555-dip-in-pattaya-hotel-occupancy-despite-songkran-festivities/

Pattaya’s hotels and those in neighbouring provinces have seen a dip in occupancy rates during the Wan Lai Songkran festival. This downturn has prompted hoteliers to critique the promotional strategy for the extended 21-day Songkran celebration. Morrakot Kuldilok, head of the eastern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), projected that the occupancy rate in Pattaya would touch 70% over the weekend. This expectation is due to the Wan Lai, a late Songkran celebration, taking place in several areas from April 16 to 21, including Bang Saen, Na Kluea, and major Pattaya shopping centres. This figure marks a decrease from the over 90% occupancy experienced during the peak travel period on April 13 to 14. Morrakot also stated that hotels could anticipate a surge in last-minute bookings over the weekend. The Wan Lai festival attracts many young local and regional travellers, who often opt for budget hotels or make day trips. It’s not just Pattaya feeling the influx of visitors; even second-tier provinces like Chanthaburi are seeing tourists drawn by Wan Lai events. “Even with an economy that’s not at its strongest, domestic tourists are still setting aside a travel budget to visit Pattaya, attracted by the various activities and a range of accommodation options, including budget-friendly choices.” However, the THA chief noted that repeat guests at four-star and five-star hotels usually check out after the main Songkran events conclude. During the extended holiday period, most hotels operated at full capacity, buoyed by the improved international tourism sentiment, which led to an increase in large tour groups. Despite a high occupancy rate, Pattaya’s average daily room rate remains lower than the 2019 average. Strategy letdown Morrakot estimated that the revenue would reach 80% of the 2019 figure, primarily due to the slow recovery of flights. She criticised the government’s 21-day Songkran promotion, stating that it lacked an effective strategy and that most nationwide events were not distinctive enough to attract tourists. “Compared with Pattaya’s Fireworks Festival, which successfully drew in tourists, many Songkran events failed to entice visitors.” Boonkerd Suksrikarn, the general manager of Sunbeam Hotel in Pattaya and a former vice-president of the association, pointed out that the Wan Lai festival in Chon Buri is not well-known amongst foreigners, reported Bangkok Post. The Sunbeam Hotel manager suggested that these celebrations be amplified on a larger scale, incorporating unique storytelling and appealing cultural content to attract foreign tourists. Most attendees are locals and expatriates, he added. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Himalayan giant honey bees spotted in Chiang Mai by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Himalayan giant honey bees have been spotted in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai province, a first-time occurrence, evidencing that the nation’s ecological system is ideal for unique species. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325553-himalayan-giant-honey-bees-spotted-in-chiang-mai/

Himalayan giant honey bees have been spotted in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park, Chiang Mai province, a first-time occurrence, evidencing that the nation’s ecological system is ideal for unique species. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, together with a team of biology researchers from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Sciences, made the announcement yesterday. The unexpected discovery took place last May. A group of biologists had been tracking the Kaiser-I-Hind, a scarce butterfly species previously sighted within the boundaries of Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park. During their exploration, they encountered a swarm of bees, distinguishable by their entirely black abdomen, golden yellow fur on the thorax, and muted wing colour. The team collected three specimens for comprehensive analysis. Nattapot Warrit, a researcher from the team, highlighted that this find substantiates the existence of the rare species via DNA testing. This comes after a photograph, believed to be the first of the Himalayan giant honey bee in Thailand, was posted on the iNaturalist website in 2020. Nattapot explained that these giant bees generally inhabit chilly landscapes at altitudes of 1,000 to over 4,500 metres, where temperatures are below 25 degrees celcius. Previous sightings have been recorded in China, Nepal, India, Myanmar, and Vietnam, but never in Thailand. “This discovery proves that Thailand has a perfect ecological system for the cave bee. This pollinator plays a significant role in increasing the population of specific plants that grow in a low-temperature environment.” About 95% of its hives are found in caves, earning it the moniker, cave bee. With individual colonies ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 bees, it is considered one of the most significant honey producers globally. Its presence is crucial in mountainous regions due to its ability to aid in plant territorial expansion. Climate change However, Warrit voiced concern over the potential impact of climate change on the giant bee population. Increasing temperatures could lead to a decline in their numbers. “Our study found the giant bee migrates to Thailand in March and leaves in July. But if the temperatures on high mountains aren’t cold enough, they might not come back.” The team discovered three hives within the national park and is optimistic about finding more in other national parks in Chiang Mai province and the northeastern region, reported Bangkok Post. Department’s deputy chief, Songkiat Tatiyanond, hailed the discovery as a testament to the department’s successful efforts in preserving the forest’s delicate ecological system. He assured further support for the ongoing study of this rare bee species. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Woman assaulted in Bangkok gym after rejecting man’s advances (video) by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Facebook In a shocking incident in Bangkok, a muscular man, angered by a failed flirtation attempt, violently threw a woman to the ground, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325552-woman-assaulted-in-bangkok-gym-after-rejecting-man’s-advances-video/

In a shocking incident in Bangkok, a muscular man, angered by a failed flirtation attempt, violently threw a woman to the ground, raising concerns about the fairness of the justice system. The altercation, captured on CCTV and shared on the Facebook page อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ Retrain part 6, occurred at a gym in the Sukhumvit area. The man’s aggressive behaviour has sparked a warning to local gyms about the potential danger he poses. The post, which has been widely circulated, shows the man’s disproportionate reaction after the woman, a Chinese national, rejected his advances. The victim filed a report with the police but her quest for justice seems to be in jeopardy. The officers suggested that the assault was too minor to merit a severe response, proposing a mere 20,000 baht (US$540) settlement. However, the case is far from concluded, as the woman plans to seek further medical evaluation on April 23. This statement from the police has caused outrage among the public, with many calling for a more just handling of the situation, reported KhaoSod. The man, who had been training the woman for free, seemingly expected a romantic relationship in return. When she instead sought training with friends, his frustration boiled over, leading to the assault. As the story unfolds, the victim fears the police may not take her side, especially if the man claims he has been attacked in retaliation. In related news, a beauty salon owner in Lopburi province narrowly escaped an assault after a man repeatedly walked past her shop before attempting to force himself upon her. The incident was later brought to public attention through a cautionary post on the Facebook page Social Hunter Reborn V3. The Facebook post included an image of the alleged perpetrator, who was dressed in a blue sports shirt covered with a long-sleeved black jacket, a black side bag, and white sports trousers, and was notably not wearing underwear. He also wore a helmet and a face mask, concealing his identity, while holding a mobile phone. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6 Facebook Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Transgender fugitive caught after 2-years hiding in meditation centre by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A two-year fugitive, a transgender woman, was finally apprehended by the police after a long period of evading law enforcement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325551-transgender-fugitive-caught-after-2-years-hiding-in-meditation-centre/

A two-year fugitive, a transgender woman, was finally apprehended by the police after a long period of evading law enforcement. The individual was wanted for snatching a gold necklace from a noodle vendor during an opportune moment and had since been hiding in a monastery. The arrest also unearthed an existing warrant for drug-related charges. Today, April 21, Thai law enforcement officers successfully concluded a long-standing manhunt with the capture of 29 year old Amornthep Ata, a cunning thief who had been on the run for over two years. Amornthep was wanted by the Srisaket Provincial Court for a theft involving a vehicle to facilitate escape and avoid arrest. The arrest took place in a monastery in Nong Sarai sub-district, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, marking the end of a fugitive’s lengthy evasion of justice. The incident that led to Amornthep’s arrest occurred on April 29, 2022, when he rode a green Honda Wave motorcycle, borrowed from his sister, to a noodle shop in Ban Ngieng village. While pretending to buy noodles, Amornthep noticed the vendor wearing a gold necklace weighing approximately 1 baht (a traditional Thai unit of weight). Seizing a moment of distraction, he snatched the necklace and fled the scene on the motorcycle. During the investigation, Amornthep confessed to the theft of the gold necklace from the noodle vendor. A background check revealed a prior arrest warrant from the Pathumwan District Court, dated October 19, 2020, for drug consumption. Following his confession, Amornthep was taken to the Uthumphon Phisai Police Station for further legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod. Teeradech Thamsuthee, an officer involved in the operation, emphasised the importance of not abusing religious institutions to hide criminal activity. He stated that those who commit crimes and then seek refuge in monasteries, feigning righteousness, cannot escape their karma. He urged individuals not to use temples or meditation centres as sanctuaries to cleanse their sins, but instead to contribute positively to the community’s faith and trust. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Ladyboy Arrested For Throwing Glass Bottle At Tourist In Pattaya by TNR Staff The transgender after being arrested and the motorcycle he rode to attack the tourist. Photo: TV Channel 7 A THAI transgender was arrested in Pattaya this afternoon (Apr. 20) after riding past a beer bar and throwing a glass bottle at a foreign tourist leading to his lips being cut and startling other tourists in the vicinity, TV Channel 7 said this evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325550-ladyboy-arrested-for-throwing-glass-bottle-at-tourist-in-pattaya/

Pattaya Tourist Police Arrest Transgender Person for Alleged Assault on Foreign Tourist By Kittisak Phalaharn Pattaya—At 2:06 PM, on April 20th, 2024, Pattaya tourist police arrested a transgender person who allegedly threw a glass bottle at a foreign tourist in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya, on April 16th. According to the police report, on the night of April 16th, a suspect identified only as Mr. Saksit, a 26-year-old transgender person, allegedly threw a glass bottle at a foreign visitor who was enjoying their time during the Songkran holidays at a bar in Soi Buakhao. As a result, the victim suffered a busted lip, and other pubgoers were panicked from the ruckus. The incident negatively affected the world class family friendly tourism image of Pattaya City, according to the police report. In response to the incident, the officers worked proactively and inspected local CCTV to find the suspect’s escape route. The police later successfully tracked down and captured the suspect at their residence in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya. Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

A THAI transgender was arrested in Pattaya this afternoon (Apr. 20) after riding past a beer bar and throwing a glass bottle at a foreign tourist leading to his lips being cut and startling other tourists in the vicinity, TV Channel 7 said this evening. At 2 p.m. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, head of Sub-Division 2 Tourist Police Division 1, and his team arrested Mr. Sak (surname withheld), 26, a transgender from Nong Bua Lamphu province for attacking the unidentified tourist on Apr. 16. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong said police had not been idle with teams having inspected the area where the attack took place and had also gone through video clips from surveillance cameras along the route the suspect fled. by TNR Staff TOP: The transgender after being arrested and the motorcycle he rode to attack the tourist. Photo: TV Channel 7 Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Canadian National Arrested for Cocaine Possession and Illegally Working in Phuket By Tanakorn Panyadee Patong, Phuket — A 41-year-old Canadian man was arrested in Patong, Phuket, for possessing ecstasy and cocaine and working without a work permit on April 19th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325549-canadian-national-arrested-for-cocaine-possession-and-illegally-working-in-phuket/

Patong, Phuket — A 41-year-old Canadian man was arrested in Patong, Phuket, for possessing ecstasy and cocaine and working without a work permit on April 19th, 2024. The arrest was announced to the public by Patong police led by Pol. Col. Chalermchai Hirsawat, Superintendent of the Patong Police Station, on April 21st. The arrest was the result of an undercover operation conducted by the Patong police. The suspect was apprehended at his hotel room on the Thawiwong Road in Patong, Phuket. By Tanakorn Panyadee Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 22 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325548-thailand-live-monday-22-april-2024/

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE TO deter future coup attempts, legislation has been prepared to empower a Prime Minister to suspend any military commanders from duty if suspected of hatching one. Legislation Prepared For PM To Suspend Commanders Suspected Of Hatching Coups By Thai Newsroom Reporters Picture: Soldiers rapidly taking control in Bangkok during Thailand’s last coup in 2014. Reuters and published by BBC Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325547-legislation-prepared-for-pm-to-suspend-commanders-suspected-of-hatching-coups/

IN AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE TO deter future coup attempts, legislation has been prepared to empower a Prime Minister to suspend any military commanders from duty if suspected of hatching one. The Defence Council, chaired by Pheu Thai-attached Defence Minister Suthin Khlangsang, has endorsed legislation to bestow the Prime Minister with the sole authority to immediately suspend any army, navy or air force officers at any ranks or in any positions from duty, given suspicion that those military officers might possibly be mapping out a coup with use of force to overthrow an elected government and tear up the constitution, said Jamnong Chaimongkol, assistant to the civilian defence minister. The Prime Minister’s legal power to counter future coup attempts is yet to be endorsed in advance by his cabinet of ministers in accordance with the legislation steered by the ruling Pheu Thai after 13 coups had successfully occurred in Thailand since 1933 with the latest one orchestrated in 2014 by army chief-turned-prime minister/now privy councillor/de facto Ruam Thai Sang Chart boss Prayut Chan-o-cha. The unprecedented bill, which aside from the necessity of being endorsed by the Pheu Thai-led cabinet of ministers also needs the approval of lawmakers to be turned into law, is primarily designed to preclude a coup attempt which might possibly otherwise be orchestrated by chiefs of the armed services as had been the case of the Prayut coup. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Picture: Soldiers rapidly taking control in Bangkok during Thailand’s last coup in 2014. Reuters and published by BBC Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-22 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thailand’s tumble: Is the British love affair fading? Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal FILE PHOTO: Tourists walk on a beach in Mombasa, Kenya, August 5, 2017. REUTERS/Siegfried Modola/File Photo; Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In 2011, Thailand witnessed the zenith of British affection, with nearly 900,000 entries logged by British passport holders, as per Thai immigration data. Yet, this figure might have swelled by accounting re-entries, diluting the actual count. Sadly, the Thai immigration bureau has ceased its detailed country-specific data release, leaving a void. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325446-thailand-faces-a-decline-in-british-tourists-and-expats-causes-and-consequences/?do=findComment&comment=18856825

Thailand’s tumble: Is the British love affair fading? Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal FILE PHOTO: Tourists walk on a beach in Mombasa, Kenya, August 5, 2017. REUTERS/Siegfried Modola/File Photo; Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In 2011, Thailand witnessed the zenith of British affection, with nearly 900,000 entries logged by British passport holders, as per Thai immigration data. Yet, this figure might have swelled by accounting re-entries, diluting the actual count. Sadly, the Thai immigration bureau has ceased its detailed country-specific data release, leaving a void. Meanwhile, the UK government’s once sensational annual report, British Behaviour Abroad, ceased publication, possibly due to its juicy tales of debauchery. Fast forward to the mid-2020s, and the Brit brigade in Thailand has halved from its 2011 peak. Despite the pandemic, Thailand’s tourist numbers are rebounding, now nearing the pre-pandemic figure of 40 million, with China, Russia, and India leading the charge, enjoying visa-free privileges. In contrast, Brits show scant interest in long-stay visas, like the 10-year Long Term Residence, aimed at attracting affluent expats. Multiple factors contribute to the British exodus from Thai shores. Competition from Eastern Europe and neighbouring sun-soaked destinations, coupled with soaring airfares and bureaucratic hurdles like the infamous TM30 form, dampen the allure. Reports of Brits landing in Thai jails or facing hefty medical bills post-accidents add to the waning enthusiasm. The once-held notion of Thailand as a lawless haven now lies six feet under. The expat landscape has shifted, with fewer Brits making Thailand their home. Even traditional expat magnets like the oil and gas industry offer fewer opportunities, while newer sectors see dominance from other foreign players. For retirees, inflation and soaring healthcare costs, exacerbated by frozen British pensions, paint a bleak picture, reported Pattaya Mail. Discussions in expat circles buzz with discontent over Thai tax policies, prompting musings of relocating to greener pastures in Cambodia or Vietnam. Early morning in Karon, Phuket, saw a British tourist sustain a knife injury following a dispute over money with three local ladyboys in his condominium, located near the base of Kata Hill. The incident was reported at 4am on February 22 to Police Lieutenant Surasak Sudmuang of the Karon Police, who promptly arrived at the scene with his team to initiate an investigation. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-20 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Prime Minister urges police to crack down on influential figures Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has directed the Provincial Police Region 8 Commander in Phuket Province to intensify efforts in apprehending individuals with bad influence who continuously violate the law. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325458-prime-minister-urges-police-to-crack-down-on-influential-figures/