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Major creditors to rescue distressed Italian-Thai Development by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of ITD Italian-Thai Development (ITD) Plc, currently facing financial distress, is set to receive an infusion of funds from its major creditors. The provision of fresh capital is aimed at bolstering the company’s operations without necessitating any rehabilitation plan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325326-major-creditors-to-rescue-distressed-italian-thai-development/

Italian-Thai Development (ITD) Plc, currently facing financial distress, is set to receive an infusion of funds from its major creditors. The provision of fresh capital is aimed at bolstering the company’s operations without necessitating any rehabilitation plan. Bangkok Bank (BBL) President Chartsiri Sophonpanich, who is also a key ITD creditor, underlined the strong long-term business prospects of ITD, despite the company currently grappling with liquidity issues. Chartsiri confirmed that BBL, along with other significant creditors, is ready to offer financial support to ITD. “BBL is committed to assisting the customer by providing supplementary liquidity, working capital and facilitating debt restructuring. In addition, every major creditor has assisted ITD with its debt restructuring efforts, so ITD does not need to prepare any rehabilitation plans.” BBL, recognised as the country’s largest lender by total assets and a primary creditor to ITD, chose not to reveal the exact sum of loans it has extended to the beleaguered contractor. The bank also did not disclose the identity of the largest lender among all the primary creditors. Apart from BBL, other major creditors of ITD include Kasikornbank, Krungthai Bank, and Siam Commercial Bank. Last week, ITD communicated to the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that it has been in discussions with primary creditors to secure financial backing for both short-term and long-term needs to resolve its liquidity challenges. It has received partial support so far and expects to finalise loan agreements to ensure the continuity of its operations. Company debt Additionally, ITD’s creditors have initially agreed to waive the company’s debt-to-equity ratio requirements, after the company failed to uphold the financial ratio condition. However, ITD is implementing modifications to its operational and control systems with an objective to cut costs and improve performance. This step is crucial to ensure the company’s ability to compete effectively and generate profits from its operations. Referring to the Dawei Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) full-phase investment project in Myanmar, ITD reaffirmed to all stakeholders, as per its statement to the SET, that its rights to reimbursement for previous investments remain protected under the Tripartite Memorandum. On the situation in Myanmar, Chartsiri noted that the operations at BBL’s Yangon branch are functioning normally despite the ongoing civil unrest, with contingency plans ready to ensure service continuity. Catering exclusively to corporate clients, BBL’s Yangon branch serves local, Thai, and international companies. Chartsiri added that large Thai corporate entities continue to exhibit a positive trend in regional business expansion, aligning with the growth potential of ASEAN, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of ITD Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Man Dies, His Wife Slightly Injured, in Motorbike Crash in Karon, Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Karon –An intoxicated Russian rider was pronounced dead at the scene while his Russian passenger, his wife, sustained injuries after a motorbike crash in Karon on Wednesday morning (April 17th) which marked the first death of the Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325325-russian-man-dies-his-wife-slightly-injured-in-motorbike-crash-in-karon-phuket/

Karon –An intoxicated Russian rider was pronounced dead at the scene while his Russian passenger, his wife, sustained injuries after a motorbike crash in Karon on Wednesday morning (April 17th) which marked the first death of the Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign. The Karon Police told the Phuket Express that they were notified of the accident 6:00 A.M. at a curve on the Patak Road in Karon. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the motorbike in a ditch off the road. The rider was later identified by police as Mr. PAVEL URIADOVA, 40, a Russian national, who was found dead nearby. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

One-Way Traffic Takes Toll on Tourism at Jomtien Beach By Aim Tanakorn Jomtien, Chonburi — Jomtien Beach in Chonburi saw fewer tourists than expected during the recent Songkran holiday. Most businesses blame the ongoing one-way traffic system, which confuses visitors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325324-one-way-traffic-takes-toll-on-tourism-at-jomtien-beach/

Jomtien, Chonburi — Jomtien Beach in Chonburi saw fewer tourists than expected during the recent Songkran holiday. Most businesses blame the ongoing one-way traffic system, which confuses visitors. Beachside vendor Mrs. Poolsawat Singhsawasdi, 55, complained to local media that tourist numbers between April 12nd-16th were relatively normal, without the usual large crowds witnessed during the normal Songkran holiday. Mrs. Poolsawat believed that the decline might be due to Pattaya’s recent traffic changes, including the implementation of one-way system at Pattaya Beach Road. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Suspect identified in Thai woman’s London murder, killer on the run by Petch Petpailin Photo via MET POLICE Local police announced they have successfully identified the suspect in the murder of a 27 year old Thai woman in London but added that the killer may have fled abroad. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325323-suspect-identified-in-thai-woman’s-london-murder-killer-on-the-run/

Local police announced they have successfully identified the suspect in the murder of a 27 year old Thai woman in London but added that the killer may have fled abroad. The dead body of 27 year old Thai woman Kamonnan “Angela” Thiamphanit was found at her luxury mansion on Stanhope Place, on Bayswater Road, near Hyde Park on April 8. She reportedly bore multiple stab wounds all over her body. A neighbour told local media that she heard a high-pitched scream before Kamonnan’s body was discovered. However, she did not go out to investigate because she did not think she could help. Kamonnan worked in real estate but further details about her career were not disclosed. She rented the mansion through Airbnb but there was no report of whether she lived there alone or with others. Local police believe Kamonnan was acquainted with the murderer because no signs of theft or forced entry were visible at the scene. Moreover, the front door of Kamonnan’s mention was equipped with a camera allowing her to screen the visitors, revealed Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell. “We believe that the person who attacked her was known to her. This isn’t a stranger attack but at some point after April 6 at 6.15am she was attacked in the address and sustained several stab injuries.” The Daily Mail reported on April 16 that police already had the name of the main suspect in Kamonnan’s case but officers believe the person has fled England. Foxwell added that she did not think it would be possible to arrest the suspect within the next two weeks. She added that she would consult with the Crown Prosecution Service about whether or not they had enough evidence to extradite the suspect from outside the UK. According to the Daily Mail, Foxwell and the relevant authorities planned to return Kamonnan’s body to her family in Thailand for a funeral ceremony. ORIGINAL STORY: Delayed police response to Thai woman’s brutal murder in London The brutal stabbing murder of a 27 year old Thai woman, in her residence in Westminster, London, has stirred up public fire against the local police over their delayed response to distress calls from her friends. The unfortunate incident unfolded in a home located on Stanhope Place, near Hyde Park, valued at around US$4 million. The victim Kamonnan Angela Thiamphanit’s lifeless body was discovered on Monday morning. Her neighbours reported hearing screams prior to the gruesome discovery, according to British media. The search for the culprit is still ongoing. The Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed last night that the deceased was indeed a Thai national who had been stabbed. The ministry further revealed that the Thai embassy in London had reached out to the victim’s family and was working closely with the police on the case. As reported by the Daily Mail, law enforcement authorities were alerted by a worried friend of Kamonnan on Sunday evening. Despite this, they failed to arrive at the scene until 13 hours later. The Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving two calls from the same individual at 7.05pm and 9.34pm respectively, as reported by the BBC. Multiple wounds The police force revealed in a statement that the woman was initially graded as a medium-risk missing person prior to the discovery of her body. Officers visited the property on Stanhope Place at 8.30am on Monday. They were confronted with the grim sight of a woman who had suffered multiple stab wounds upon forcibly entering the premises. An autopsy report revealed sharp force trauma as the cause of death. Before Kamonnan’s body was found, neighbours reported hearing two high-pitched screams, followed by an eerie silence. Given the lack of forced entry and the presence of a video entry system at the front door, it is speculated that Kamonnan might have been acquainted with her attacker. The Metropolitan Police has referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the criticism received for their handling of the investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Adam Clifton made a public appeal for information. “I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist us, no matter how insignificant you think that may be, to come forward and speak to us. Kamonnan’s family and friends have been devastated by this murder and we must ensure whoever is responsible is held to account.” Neighbours revealed that Kamonnan lived in the £4-million (182 million baht) property situated in the posh neighbourhood of the City of Westminster, just a stone’s throw away from Hyde Park. The property, which served as the Ethiopian Embassy until four years ago, has since been converted into several Airbnb units. Kamonnan’s specific rental spaces within the property remain unknown. The three-storey, five-bedroom terraced home originating from the 1820s is rented, according to a local hotel owner, who was oblivious to the identity of the tenant, reported Bangkok Post. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MET POLICE Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Xinhua The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325321-thailand-scraps-visa-requirements-for-kazakhstan-tourists/

The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced. This move aims to increase the influx of tourists from Kazakhstan, one of the rapidly evolving markets for Thailand’s tourism sector and a significant contributor to the nation’s economic development. Data released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand indicates a remarkable surge in the number of Kazakh tourists, with figures rising from 60,000 to 172,000 within a single year. The majority of these travellers comprise families and couples who choose to spend an average of 14 days in Thailand. Their preferred destinations are beach resorts where they spend approximately 75,000 baht per individual. The TAT anticipates an increase in these numbers, estimating more than 220,000 Kazakh visitors this year. In response to the growing travel demand, Air Astana, the airline of Kazakhstan, has amplified its number of flights to Thailand. The government had earlier initiated visa exemptions for Kazakh passport holders in September as part of a trial project. The policy was further extended until August 31 earlier this year. Thai citizens have been enjoying visa-free travel to Kazakhstan since 2019, permitting them to stay in the country for up to 30 days, reported Bangkok Post. Following suit, a permanent visa waiver for Chinese tourists visiting Thailand was implemented on March 1, reciprocated by China for Thai travellers, under a bilateral agreement. In related news, the Government of Thailand has halted the obligatory TM 6 immigration forms for foreigners arriving in the country via land or sea, effective from April 15 to October 15. This resolution, approved by the Cabinet on April 9, is a response to a suggestion by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, according to ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul. In other news, Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently announced the country’s ambitions to boost its tourism industry and international relationships, following a promising discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron. Held at the prestigious Élysée Palace in Paris, the meeting centred around a visa-free agreement with Schengen area countries, a strategic move that France has expressed support for. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Xinhua Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Post considers becoming virtual banking agent by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of spacebar.th Thailand Post, the government-owned logistics firm, is examining the possibility of becoming a neutral virtual banking agent to supplement the functions of emerging virtual banks, according to Chief Executive Dhanant Subhadrabandhu. Fuull story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325320-thailand-post-considers-becoming-virtual-banking-agent/

Thailand Post, the government-owned logistics firm, is examining the possibility of becoming a neutral virtual banking agent to supplement the functions of emerging virtual banks, according to Chief Executive Dhanant Subhadrabandhu. The national organisation plans to use its extensive network of 1,600 branches and a delivery workforce of 25,000 to support this initiative. Serving as a neutral virtual bank agent presents a fresh business prospect for Thailand Post’s ongoing financial and retail operations, Dhanant stated. The company is slated to decide by June on its potential participation in the evolution of virtual banks, three months before the Bank of Thailand’s September cut-off for virtual bank applications. Contrary to the primary digital nature of virtual banks, Thailand Post could simplify these operations by acting as a physical touchpoint via its branches and delivery personnel, Dhanant suggested. For instance, Thailand Post could assist unbanked individuals or migrant workers who are paid daily in cash to deposit their earnings through the virtual banking system. Delivery staff could introduce customers to a range of virtual bank services at their homes. Thailand Post could offer associated services as a virtual bank agent across its 1,600 branches, Dhanant added. The company already functions as a banking agent for all banks, facilitating deposits and withdrawals using bank account passbooks at its postal branches. Thailand Post is currently in discussions with several banks that could potentially transition into virtual banks to jointly investigate the feasibility of a proposed neutral banking agent partnership, according to Dhanant. The state-owned enterprise could also contemplate acquiring shares in a consortium planning to apply for a virtual bank licence. Dhanant confirmed that discussions have been held with several major commercial banks as well as non-bank companies that operate diverse businesses through a retail consumer base. However, these discussions have not yet concluded. Migrant workers Thailand Post believes it could assist lenders with several operations. “Apart from Thais, one target group for virtual bank service is migrant workers who do not receive a pay slip from their employer.” This latest strategy aligns with Thailand Post’s core goal to transition from last-mile delivery to a first-mile service, striving to be recognised by Thais for its services and trusted for its quality, Dhanant stated. Thailand Post recently set a bold profit target for this year of 350 million baht, a significant increase from last year’s 78 million. Last year marked the first time in three years that the state enterprise recorded a net profit, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of spacebar.th Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 19 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325318-thailand-live-friday-19-april-2024/

Deputy National Police Chief suspended Pol Gen Kitrat Panphet, the acting national police chief, has signed the order to suspend deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and four more police officers accused of being involved in money laundering in relation to an online gambling network. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325319-deputy-national-police-chief-suspended/

Pol Gen Kitrat Panphet, the acting national police chief, has signed the order to suspend deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and four more police officers accused of being involved in money laundering in relation to an online gambling network. The order takes affect immediately on April 18. The other four police officers are: Pol Col Kittichai Sangkhathaworn, Pol Lt Col Krit Pariyaket, Pol Sgt Natthawut Wadwaew and Pol Sgt Natthanan Chuchak. Pol Gen Kitrat confirms that everything is being done in due process of the law and the police investigation. He also emphasises that, while he is currently the acting police chief, he has full authority. Pol Gen Kitrat said he had informed the prime minister so that Pol Gen Surachate can be transferred from his inactive post at the Office of the Prime Minister back to the Royal Thai Police headquarters as the disciplinary investigation continues. He cited that the suspension order is issued as the investigation could require a considerable amount of time, during which, the five accused police officers still has the right to appeal. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-19 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

ASEANNOW has officially joined The Thaiger family, following the acquisition of all our digital assets by The Thaiger from Choice Group Asia Co., Ltd. This marks a significant milestone as we combine forces with one of Thailand’s top English language news publishers. ASEAN NOW is Joining The Thaiger Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325285-aseannow-is-joining-the-thaiger/

The OP is written by THAI NEWSROOM and NOT by Thaiger The footer says: Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-18 //Admin

Thaksin Seeks Annex To ‘Secret Deal’ To Bring Yingluck Back Home By Thai Newsroom Reporters Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her brother de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is virtually seeking a fresh annex to a “secret deal” which he had earlier made with the powers-that-be to the extent that his sister/deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra be literally free to return home from self-exile abroad sooner or later without being subsequently thrown in jail, according to partisan sources. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325248-thaksin-seeks-annex-to-‘secret-deal’-to-bring-yingluck-back-home/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is virtually seeking a fresh annex to a “secret deal” which he had earlier made with the powers-that-be to the extent that his sister/deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra be literally free to return home from self-exile abroad sooner or later without being subsequently thrown in jail, according to partisan sources. Thaksin who has obviously “recovered from critical illnesses” in a matter of days after he was granted parole last February is yet to refresh the “secret deal” with the ultra-conservative, powerful elite class to pave way for the long-planned homecoming of Yingluck who has already spent seven years of self-exile overseas as had been the case of himself having returned home after 17 years of self-exile abroad last August. Thaksin had allegedly managed to keep himself from being literally put behind bars for a single day to otherwise serve a curtailed, one-year jail sentence and being instead granted contentious, double-standard privileges for a six-month period at Police Hospital in lieu of Bangkok Remand Prison. As part of the “secret deal” under which the billionaire Thaksin had been granted the privileges unprovided for ordinary convicts, the de facto Pheu Thai boss had been practically obliged to return favours to the powers-that-be who would decidedly prefer to leave the helm of government to his party rather than tolerate seeing the Move Forward in government following the progressive party’s electoral victory in which they had won most MP seats last year. The Move Forward led by Pita Limjaroenrat has not only been politically considered an “enemy No.1” in the eye of the ultra-conservative elite but the de facto Pheu Thai boss since both finally buried the hatchet and reconciled with each other, given their shared upset caused by the Move Forward in last year’s election, the partisan sources said. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her brother de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai woman crashes pickup into traffic cop in Lop Buri by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ A 26 year old Thai woman crashed her pickup into a traffic police officer on Highway No. 21 in the central province of Lop Buri on April 16, causing serious injuries to the officer. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325243-thai-woman-crashes-pickup-into-traffic-cop-in-lop-buri/

A 26 year old Thai woman crashed her pickup into a traffic police officer on Highway No. 21 in the central province of Lop Buri on April 16, causing serious injuries to the officer. The accident occurred at Ban Deelang Intersection on Highway No. 21, also known as Saraburi-Lomsak Road, in the Pattana Nikhom district of Lop Buri province. A traffic police officer from the Highway Police, 39 year old Piyanan Siseu, sustained severe injuries. Due to heavy traffic congestion during the Songkran festival holiday, a helicopter was sent to the scene to transport Piyanan to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok. However, the helicopter had to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff because Piyanan’s condition deteriorated due to the change in air pressure. His pulse dropped significantly, and his blood pressure became unstable during the flight. An emergency vehicle from Pattana Nikhom Hospital transported Piyanan, but the hospital lacked the necessary equipment to treat him. Consequently, Piyanan was transferred to King Narai Hospital, which was 40 kilometres away. Medical workers reported that Piyanan had lost a significant amount of blood and suffered brain swelling. He underwent emergency surgery on the day of the incident, prompting the hospital to issue a call for blood donations to support his treatment. Thai PBS reported today, April 18, that Piyanan’s condition has improved, although he remains unconscious. He was transferred to the Police General Hospital in Bangkok at 10 am today for further treatment. The driver of the pickup truck, a 26 year old Thai woman whose identity was not disclosed, claimed to police and the media that the police had closed traffic lanes upon her arrival at the scene, leading to her collision with Piyanan, who was on duty at the spot. According to Thai PBS, as reported, some of the traffic lanes were closed, with signage notifying motorists 1 kilometre before the closure. The driver was taken to Pattana Nikhom Police Station for further questioning. Police suspect she was driving at high speed and may not have been familiar with the route. She was initially charged with reckless driving, and the legal consequences will depend on the assessment of the severity by the traffic police officer. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s aviation sector set for soaring recovery Photo of Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand’s skies are set for a dramatic rebound as aviation bodies predict a swift recovery in passenger numbers by next year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325242-thailand’s-aviation-sector-set-for-soaring-recovery/

Thailand’s skies are set for a dramatic rebound as aviation bodies predict a swift recovery in passenger numbers by next year. In a statement to the press, Yongyut Lujintanon, the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) area manager for Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, highlighted the intricate web of factors influencing the country’s aviation resurgence. Despite the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s ambitious goal of nearly 40 million arrivals this year, challenges persist. Confirming the surge in demand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported an influx of slot requests. However, Yongyut underscored the persistent threats, ranging from geopolitical tensions to escalating fuel costs, which have skyrocketed by three to five times compared to pre-pandemic levels. Thailand, once a regional aviation powerhouse, trailed behind Southeast Asian counterparts like the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam in traffic recovery in 2023. Only Vietnam managed to surpass 2019’s traffic figures, underlining the uphill battle for Thailand. Although the Asia-Pacific region witnessed a 93% recovery in revenue passenger kilometres by January this year, it still lags behind the global average, which soared to pre-pandemic levels. International passengers are expected to reach 2019 levels by next year, contingent upon market dynamics, particularly China’s reopening pace. Sarun Benjanirat, CAAT’s Deputy Director-General, painted a cautiously optimistic picture, projecting a potential recovery to 165 million passengers by the year’s end. However, the road to full restoration, mirroring IATA’s forecast by 2025, hinges on critical factors like fleet expansion and market resumption, particularly in China. The unveiling of the Air-mazing Thailand project witnessed a flurry of activity, with airlines eyeing provincial airports like Udon Thani and Surat Thani, reported Bangkok Post. These developments signal a potential shift in Thailand’s aviation landscape, with Surat Thani emerging as a formidable alternative to alleviate pressure from congested hubs like Samui Airport. In related news, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced last Monday, April 8 that a feasibility study for the expansion of Samui Airport is currently being conducted. The proposed expansion aims to accommodate larger aircraft and an increasing number of visitors. Photo of Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hong Kong man arrested with drugs at Songkran event in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Police arrested a man from Hong Kong at the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2024 water fight in the Ratchada area of Bangkok on April 16 for possession of ketamine and happy water. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325241-hong-kong-man-arrested-with-drugs-at-songkran-event-in-bangkok/

Police arrested a man from Hong Kong at the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2024 water fight in the Ratchada area of Bangkok on April 16 for possession of ketamine and happy water. More than 200 officers from Wang Thong Lang Police Station, along with K-9 dogs, screened participants for weapons and drugs at the festival entrance during the three-day event. At about 9.30pm on April 16, a security guard alerted police to a suspicious foreigner, later identified as 48 year old Hong Kong man To Wai Kil. The guard observed To handing red and black packages to other participants and suspected drug sales. Police searched To and found 67.5 grammes of happy water and 1.5 grammes of ketamine in his bag. Happy water is a drug powder mixed with various substances, often consumed with alcohol. The happy water was packed in red and black zip-lock bags while ketamine was packed in small plastic tubes. Related news Officers conducted a raid at To’s condominium in the Ratchada area and discovered more drugs. Police found three packs of happy water and one pack of ketamine in his condo room. In total, the Thai authorities seized 80 grammes of happy water and 3 grammes of ketamine during To’s arrest. To was charged with possessing Category 1 drug. The penalty is imprisonment from two to 20 years and a fine of 200,000 to 2 million baht according to Section 145 of the Narcotics Control Act. Police initiated a nationwide drug crackdown ahead of the Songkran Festival to deter the use and sale of drugs during the water fight events. Two weeks ago, authorities successfully seized a significant quantity of drugs intended for sale during Songkran events at a hotel in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district. The confiscated drugs included 110 kilogrammes of crystal meth, 60 kilogrammes of ketamine, 7,000 tablets of Yaba (methamphetamine), 1.4 kilogrammes of heroin, and 2,000 tablets of ecstasy. Two drug dealers apprehended at the scene admitted to transporting the drugs from Saraburi province to Bangkok for distribution to other dealers during the Songkran events. by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe