webfact

UPDATE: Sanam Luang Songkran bash smashes records by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) declared the recent Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang in Bangkok a resounding success, drawing in a staggering 784,000 participants. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared the triumphant news at a press conference, unveiling the splashing success of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325121-massive-success-maha-songkran-world-water-festival-2024-draws-784000-participants/?do=findComment&comment=18851427

Sanam Luang Songkran bash smashes records by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) declared the recent Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang in Bangkok a resounding success, drawing in a staggering 784,000 participants. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared the triumphant news at a press conference, unveiling the splashing success of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024. The vibrant celebrations, spanning from April 11 to 15 on Rajdamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang, welcomed a whopping 784,883 attendees, with over 693,000 Thais joyously partaking, a whopping 72.18% of whom were proud Bangkok residents. And it wasn’t just the locals, an impressive 91,595 revellers from foreign shores, predominantly from European nations, added their splash of international flair to the festivities. The festivities poured an estimated 950 million baht into direct spending, covering everything from tantalising food and drink sales to accommodation costs and souvenir splurges. Thapanee revealed that this spending surge was set to ripple through the economic system, circulating a staggering 1.935 billion baht and culminating in a whopping 2.886 billion baht boost for the economy, lining the government’s pockets with a cool 742 million baht in VAT collections. Not only did the celebrations bring smiles to the faces of revellers, but they also proved to be a lucrative opportunity for around 500 street vendors and their 2,000 workers who cashed in on the revelry. Thapanee hailed the festivities as a triumph, attracting both local and international tourists and earning rave reviews in visitor surveys, reported The Nation. The buzz spilt onto social media, catapulting Sanam Luang into the spotlight as a must-visit destination. Plus, with access to nearby festive hotspots like Khao San Road and Phra Arthit Road, the fun was truly unstoppable! In related news, Thailand’s Songkran Thai New Year celebrations have gathered international attention, with 35 foreign embassies collaborating with the Thai government to promote the festival worldwide. This initiative comes after UNESCO recognised the festival as an intangible cultural heritage in December last year. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket’s reservoirs promise adequate water supply until rains by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of NBT Phuket Phuket‘s three primary reservoirs are sufficiently water-filled to ensure the island’s inhabitants have enough water until the annual rains due next month, confirmed Krirksak Leenanon, the Chief of Phuket Irrigation Office. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325240-phuket’s-reservoirs-promise-adequate-water-supply-until-rains/

Phuket‘s three primary reservoirs are sufficiently water-filled to ensure the island’s inhabitants have enough water until the annual rains due next month, confirmed Krirksak Leenanon, the Chief of Phuket Irrigation Office. Currently, Bang Wad Reservoir, located in Kathu, holds 2.12 million cubic metres of water, indicating it is 20% full. Meanwhile, Bang Neow Dum Reservoir, situated in Srisoonthorn, is 45% full with 3.57 million cubic metres of water. The Klong Kata Reservoir in Chalong is 32% full, having 1.32 million cubic metres of water. Krirksak confirmed these figures were up to date as of yesterday. He noted that the water volume in Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu this year is slightly lower than in previous years. However, it hasn’t reached a critical level and can continue to provide water to the population, including business owners, till the end of May. Krirksak expressed some optimism, however. “Assuming the rains arrive as anticipated in May, we should not encounter any issues.” Krirksak also mentioned that they have identified several alternative water sources, originating from both the private sector and various water mines, reported The Phuket News. Additionally, he revealed they have a plan to request aid from royal rainmakers if required. He concluded by stating that they would continue to execute their short-, medium-, and long-term strategies. In related news, the Phi Phi Islands, a prominent tourist attraction in Krabi, are grappling with a severe shortage of freshwater. The local authorities are exploring potential solutions, with two options under consideration – a pipeline bringing water from the mainland or the production of freshwater from the sea, according to the Ao Nang Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor). Phankham Kittitorakul, President of Ao Nang OrBorTor, highlighted the recurring lack of tap water during the dry season. This period coincides with the tourist high season, exacerbating the situation over the past few years. To address this, Ao Nang OrBorTor has received funding to investigate these two possible solutions. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of NBT Phuket Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai AirAsia to resume Bangkok-Hat Yai flights by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Airways Thai AirAsia officially announced that it will restart its route between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Hat Yai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325239-thai-airasia-to-resume-bangkok-hat-yai-flights/

Thai AirAsia officially announced that it will restart its route between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Hat Yai. Departing at 10.45am from the Thai capital and touching down in the southern Thai province at 12.10pm with flight FD4304, and returning from Hat Yai at 1.40pm, landing back in Suvarnabhumi Airport at 2.15pm with flight FD4305. Scheduled to kick off on July 1, Thai AirAsia promises daily flights, complementing the existing eight flights per day from Don Mueang Airport. Riding high on the success of their Don Mueang – Hat Yai route, which boasted a staggering 95% passenger load throughout 2023, Thai AirAsia’s Head of Commercial, Tansita Akraritpirom, expressed gratitude to loyal patrons and locals alike. “We’re immensely thankful to the vibrant communities of Hat Yai and its surroundings, as well as the countless travellers who’ve propelled AirAsia’s route to Hat Yai. “Your unwavering support has paved the way for the revival of the Suvarnabhumi – Hat Yai connection, granting you the freedom to choose between two premier airports for your adventures.” Thai AirAsia is rolling out sensational promotional fares starting from just 1,000 baht per trip, available until May 17, for travel commencing on July 1, reported Travel News Asia. But hurry, these exclusive deals come with limited availability, exclude auxiliary service charges, and may have blackout dates during peak periods. In related news, the Hat Yai district of Songkhla anticipated the arrival of approximately 100,000 Malaysian tourists last weekend during the Songkran Festival. The influx of Malaysian visitors has seen an increase this year due to the festivities aligning with the end of Ramadan, according to Sitthipong Sittipatprapha, the president of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association. In other news, Thai AirAsia weighed in on the issue of high airfares which prompted calls for price reductions, arguing that slashing ceiling prices is not a feasible solution due to increased operational costs borne by airlines since the onset of the pandemic. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Airways Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok chef discovers newborn remains in suitcase by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A shocking discovery was made early yesterday morning when a chef found the remains of a newborn in his luggage, leading police to launch an investigation into the tragic incident. The 41 year old chef, Chusak, was unaware that his 30 year old wife, Panadda, was pregnant. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325237-bangkok-chef-discovers-newborn-remains-in-suitcase/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A shocking discovery was made early yesterday morning when a chef found the remains of a newborn in his luggage, leading police to launch an investigation into the tragic incident. The 41 year old chef, Chusak, was unaware that his 30 year old wife, Panadda, was pregnant. The couple had recently separated, and the police are now seeking Panadda to uncover the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking situation. At approximately 4am today, Deputy Inspector Thitipong Phutinathawornpong of Wat Phraya Krai Police Station was alerted to the grim discovery at an apartment complex on Charoen Rat 7 Alley in the Bang Kho Laem district of Bangkok. The first responders, including medical examiners from Chulalongkorn Hospital and forensic experts, arrived at the scene to find the body of a foetus aged between six and nine months concealed in a black suitcase with wheels, covered by a red plastic bag and a black trash liner. Some clothing items were also found in the luggage. Chusak, who works as a chef for a household in the Ari area, lived with Panadda for several years, and they have a five year old son together, who currently resides with his grandparents in Phayao province. According to Chusak, Panadda had difficulty maintaining employment and spent most of her time at home as a housewife. The couple had been renting the apartment for nearly a year before Panadda left unexpectedly around March 20. Before the distressing find, Chusak wanted to use the suitcase, which was stored under a vanity table in his room. Upon opening it, he discovered clothing and trash bags, which emitted a foul odour reminiscent of decaying remains. Panicked, he contacted his employer, who advised him to take photographs as evidence before informing security to move the suitcase outside the apartment, where police were called. Chusak expressed his shock, stating he had no idea that Panadda was pregnant, as she did not exhibit any visible signs or symptoms, reported KhaoSod. Deputy Inspector Thitipong speculated that Panadda may have miscarried and, out of fear, hidden the foetus in the suitcase before fleeing. The infant’s body has been sent to Chulalongkorn Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The police are actively searching for Panadda to question her about the events that unfolded. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

6 Thai men arrested for attacking 2 foreigners during Songkran by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ร้อยเอ็ด ทันข่าว Police arrested six Thai men for beating and stabbing two foreign men during the Songkran festival in the Isaan province of Roi Et on April 15. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325235-6-thai-men-arrested-for-attacking-2-foreigners-during-songkran/

Police arrested six Thai men for beating and stabbing two foreign men during the Songkran festival in the Isaan province of Roi Et on April 15. Officers from Mueang Roi Et Police Station investigated the water fight event on Thewa Phiban Road at about 10.30pm on April 15 after receiving reports of a physical altercation. Two injured foreigners were rushed to the hospital by the rescue team before the police arrived while the attackers had already fled the scene. Police reported that a 33 year old foreign man named Phi was a chef at a hotel in the Isaan province of Khon Kaen while the other foreigner was a 30 year old man named Shi who worked as a university professor. Phi had bruises on his face while Shi had been stabbed in the waist. Their nationalities were not disclosed in the report, and their condition had not yet been updated. After reviewing security camera footage, police identified and arrested six suspects yesterday, April 17, in Roi Et. One of the six suspects, a 19 year old Thai man named Rattaphum confessed to stabbing Shi on the day of the incident. Rattaphum explained that he and his friends were initially enjoying a water fight at home and decided to join the festivities in the city centre. However, they encountered a traffic jam, preventing their car from moving. According to Rattaphum, Phi and Shi were in an SUV behind them and honked a horn at their car. However, they could not move elsewhere because of the traffic. Phi and Shi then got out of their SUV and asked Rattaphum and their friends to move. Rattaphum said he and his friend were angry and the gang attacked the foreign victims. Rattaphum claimed that he felt like one of the victims attempted to stab him. He claimed he found a knife on the road and stabbed Shi with that weapon. Despite the alleged traffic congestion reported by Rattaphum, he and his friends successfully fled the scene following the assault. All six suspects have been charged under Section 295 of the Criminal Law for physically assaulting others, and causing bodily harm. The potential punishment includes imprisonment for a maximum of two years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. WARNING: The following video may be disturbing for some viewers. Discretion is advised by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ร้อยเอ็ด ทันข่าว Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thailand forges ‘Strategic Partnership’ with New Zealand by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand and New Zealand have vowed to embark on a historic “Strategic Partnership” journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie, revealed government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325182-new-zealand-pm-visits-thailand-to-strengthen-ties/?do=findComment&comment=18851301

Thailand forges ‘Strategic Partnership’ with New Zealand by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Thailand and New Zealand have vowed to embark on a historic “Strategic Partnership” journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie, revealed government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin rolled out the red carpet for New Zealand’s Premier Christopher Luxon at Government House, overseeing the signing of two game-changing Memorandums of Understanding. The first pact is a pioneering educational alliance between Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission and New Zealand’s esteemed Massey University. The second, is a robust commitment to aerial excellence, linking Thai Aviation Industries Co Ltd with New Zealand’s sky-soaring NZSkydive Limited. Following the ink-on-paper ceremony, the dynamic duo graced a joint press conference, where Srettha hailed Luxon’s first visit to Thai shores in over a decade. Talks pivoted around bolstering cooperation and forging an unbreakable bond between the two nations. Elevating the stakes, Luxon unveiled the “Prime Minister’s Fellowship,” poised to shape the destiny of the bilateral nexus leading up to the monumental 2026 milestone. But the ambitions don’t stop there. Both nations pledged a united front against transnational threats, from trafficking to cyber-terrorism, while charting a course towards scientific supremacy in agri-tech, renewable energy, and beyond. PM Srettha’s elation extended to economic prospects, foreseeing a floodgate of investments, and a tourism boom with streamlined visa processes and direct flights between the two nations, reported Bangkok Post. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to global harmony, with New Zealand pledging to join Thailand in the Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, propelling them towards comprehensive strategic partnerships in the ASEAN region. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s revenue department ups tax amid economic slowdown by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Revenue Department faces a challenging year in meeting its tax collection targets, owing to a slowdown in economic activities. Despite this, five sectors have been identified as promising. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325232-thailand’s-revenue-department-ups-tax-amid-economic-slowdown/

The Revenue Department faces a challenging year in meeting its tax collection targets, owing to a slowdown in economic activities. Despite this, five sectors have been identified as promising. The department, led by director-general Kulaya Tantitemit, has increased its revenue collection target to 2.27 trillion baht (US$61.7 billion) for the fiscal year 2024, up from 2.02 trillion baht (US$55 billion) in 2023, a rise of approximately 3%. This aligns with Thailand’s projected GDP growth of 2.7%, as estimated by the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the Fiscal Policy Office’s 2.8% growth prediction. Kulaya attributes the challenging tax collection target to various factors, including external problems impacting the export market, increased energy prices, interest rates, and government expenditure being delayed until April. Trade conflicts and barriers could also affect tax collection. Nonetheless, tax collection for the first five months of this fiscal year (October 2023 to February 2024) totalled 766 billion baht (US$20.8 billion), an increase of 1.6% over the same period in fiscal 2023. The department has also set a corporate income tax target for fiscal 2024 of 811 billion baht (US$22 billion), 5.7% higher than the previous year. The department is focusing on sectors that demonstrate growth potential and providing tax advice similar to audit preparations. These sectors include energy-related businesses, medical and beauty businesses, retail and wholesale businesses, tourism-related sectors, and e-commerce platforms. The Revenue Department is also taking measures to prevent tax avoidance by large businesses using transfer pricing. Additionally, the department is working on the Top-up Tax Act (Pillar 2: Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules) to expand the tax base and create revenue stability. This involves implementing a global minimum tax on large multinational corporations, reported Bangkok Post. The department is also expanding the tax base to online businesses through the creation of the E-Business Monitoring Committee to track and propose policies. Tax authorities from over 140 countries are negotiating an agreement to compel large digital companies such as Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Apple to pay tax in countries where these companies operate, including Thailand. This initiative, known as Pillar 1, is expected to conclude within this year. If an agreement is reached, taxes collected from these digital businesses are expected to increase. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Ammonia Leak At Ice Factory Sends Scores To Hospital by TNR Staff The ice factory where the ammonia leaked last night. Photo: Amarin TV OVER a hundred people were hospitalised in Chonburi last night (Apr. 17) after ammonia leaked at an ice factory with people living within a kilometre radius of the plant told to evacuate, Amarin TV said this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325211-overnight-ice-factory-explosion-leads-to-chemical-hazard-at-least-60-people-injured/?do=findComment&comment=18851264

Ammonia Leak At Ice Factory Sends Scores To Hospital by TNR Staff The ice factory where the ammonia leaked last night. Photo: Amarin TV OVER a hundred people were hospitalised in Chonburi last night (Apr. 17) after ammonia leaked at an ice factory with people living within a kilometre radius of the plant told to evacuate, Amarin TV said this morning. At 11.30 p.m. a disaster relief/rescue team took technicians wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) kits into Bang Lamung ice factory, in Naklua subdistrict, to close the valve and evacuate those still within. Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatchakiat Jinda Kuansanong, commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, quickly rushed to the scene and oversaw the spraying of water at the factory and nearby areas by disaster relief officials from Nong Prue municipality and Pattaya City to bring the highly irritating ammonia gas closer to the ground so that fewer people were affected. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand faces severe weather with strong winds and 42C heatwave by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Freepik A severe weather warning has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) for 39 provinces today, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail, especially in the northern and northeastern regions. The country is also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to a peak of 42 degrees Celsius. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325230-thailand-faces-severe-weather-with-strong-winds-and-42c-heatwave/

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) for 39 provinces today, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail, especially in the northern and northeastern regions. The country is also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to a peak of 42 degrees Celsius. Today’s weather conditions, as predicted by the Meteorological Department at 6am, indicate a low-pressure area caused by intense heat covering upper Thailand. This is expected to result in very hot weather with sporadic thunderstorms during the day. Residents in affected areas are advised to take precautions to maintain their health by avoiding prolonged outdoor activities as the hot conditions persist. The southerly and southeasterly winds are bringing moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea to the lower northeastern, lower central, and eastern regions, while the southwestern and southern winds covering the upper northeastern regions are contributing to today’s forecast of thunderstorms and strong winds, with hail possible in certain areas. The upper regions of Thailand are likely to face thunderstorms with strong winds, along with the possibility of hail in some areas across the northern and upper northeastern parts. The public is urged to be vigilant against the dangers of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail during this period. The eastern winds and southeast winds are expected to cover the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, leading to occasional thunderstorms in the south as well. In the northern, northeastern, and upper central regions, moderate to high concentrations of dust particles and smog are recorded due to weak wind cover and poor air circulation. The weather forecast from 6am today to 6am tomorrow predicts hot to very hot temperatures generally across the north. In the northern region, isolated thunderstorms cover 10% of the area, accompanied by strong winds and occasional hail, particularly in provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching 39 to 42 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds blowing at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour. Temperature rises The northeastern region is also expected to be hot to very hot, with isolated thunderstorms covering 20% of the area and strong winds and potential hail in some places, especially in provinces like Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, and Ubon Ratchathani. The lowest temperatures could range from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, with highs between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds at 5 to 15 kilometres per hour. Central Thailand is also experiencing hot to very hot conditions, with isolated thunderstorms in 10% of the area and gusty winds in some parts, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Minimum temperatures are expected to be 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 38 to 41 degrees Celsius, and southerly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. In eastern Thailand, the weather is generally hot, with isolated thunderstorms in 10% of the area and strong winds in some places, especially in Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The lowest temperatures could range from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, with highs of 34 to 40 degrees Celsius, and southerly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves of less than 1 metre, and in areas with thunderstorms, waves could be higher than 1 metre. The southern region (east coast) is experiencing hot daytime weather with very hot conditions in some places, and isolated thunderstorms covering 10% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to be 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 34 to 40 degrees Celsius, and southeast winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. Sea conditions will have waves lower than 1 metre and higher than 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms. Similarly, in the southern region (west coast), the weather is hot during the day, with isolated thunderstorms covering 10% of the area, mainly in Trang and Satun. Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 25 to 26 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 35 to 38 degrees Celsius and easterly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. The sea will have waves of less than 1 metre and higher than 1 metre in areas with thunderstorms, reported KhaoSod. In Bangkok and the surrounding vicinities, the weather is generally hot, with clear skies during the day and very hot conditions in some areas. Minimum temperatures are forecasted to be 28 to 29 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures of 36 to 40 degrees Celsius, and southerly winds at 10 to 25 kilometres per hour. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Freepik Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran celebration turns violent in Phitsanulok with gang attack by Nattapong Westwood A gang of youths caused a stir on the streets of Phitsanulok as the first day of Songkran turned violent and resulted in several serious injuries. The incident, which occurred on April 13, began when a group of young men climbed onto a vehicle and sexually assaulted a woman. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325229-songkran-celebration-turns-violent-in-phitsanulok-with-gang-attack/

A gang of youths caused a stir on the streets of Phitsanulok as the first day of Songkran turned violent and resulted in several serious injuries. The incident, which occurred on April 13, began when a group of young men climbed onto a vehicle and sexually assaulted a woman. After being confronted and asked to get off, they returned with more than 15 accomplices and launched a fierce assault, which included the use of knives. The police force of Phitsanulok, led by Police Colonel Thatchapong Wongpatananiwas, along with Police Colonel Taweesak Thabunchu, head of Investigation Division 2, Bureau of Special Investigation, Region 6, and other arresting officers, gathered evidence and testimonies following the incident. The investigation led to the request for an arrest warrant for 22 year old Lue Sak, also known as “Way” Saengsongchotisin, on charges of aggravated assault. Meanwhile, 23 year old Theerachet, also known as “Ta,” turned himself in but denied involvement. The police have identified three other suspects still at large: 17 year old Prem, who allegedly used a knife in the attack, 19 years old Gumpha or “Gas” Jittatrongsuwan, and 20 year old Phanuwat, also known as “Ghost.” The brawl took place in front of a shop in the Mueang Phitsanulok district amidst a large crowd of people who had gathered for the Songkran celebrations. Three individuals were seriously injured: 30 year old Ukkrit, sustained a deep cut to his right hip and skull fractures; 27 year old Warawut, suffered an arm injury with a broken bone; and 29 year old Somchai, experienced a cracked head and bleeding from the ears. The violence erupted after a group of men climbed onto a sound truck carrying women and began to harass them. The women called for help from Ukkrit, who was nearby in another vehicle. When he attempted to intervene, the aggressors turned on him, leading to a chaotic fight where it was unclear who was attacking whom. The gang, totalling around 15 individuals, inflicted injuries on Ukkrit and his friends. Violent clash The violent clash was captured on video and went viral on social media, sparking widespread condemnation for its brazen nature. Ukkrit recounted that he and his friends, along with employees from his shop, had been playing with water in the Wat Chulamani area before moving to the city. His group was in three vehicles, with the sound truck carrying the women being the second in the convoy, reported KhaoSod. Phitsanulok police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects to bring them to justice. The attack has cast a shadow over the traditional Songkran festivities, which are meant to be a time of joy and celebration. The authorities have called for calm and have reassured the public that they are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the holiday period. by Nattapong Westwood Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s PTT Plc sees future in hydrogen fuel for vehicles by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is forecasting a future where hydrogen could potentially replace oil-powered vehicles, contributing to the reduction of air pollutants. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325228-thailand’s-ptt-plc-sees-future-in-hydrogen-fuel-for-vehicles/

PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is forecasting a future where hydrogen could potentially replace oil-powered vehicles, contributing to the reduction of air pollutants. This year, the company’s subsidiary Arun Plus, in collaboration with Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., is planning to domestically produce electric vehicles (EVs). Additionally, PTT is partnering with various companies to advance the development of hydrogen fuel. Recently, PTT signed a memorandum of understanding with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand and ACWA Power, a Saudi Arabian renewable energy company, to jointly develop green hydrogen. The objective of the collaboration is to make green hydrogen production financially feasible. Buranin Rattanasombat, PTT’s head of new business and infrastructure, acknowledged that creating hydrogen fuel on a commercial scale for the automotive industry is a challenging task. He noted that Japanese automakers have spent years researching this fuel. Addressing the comparison between batteries and hydrogen for cars, he conceded that currently, batteries are the superior option. However, he was quick to add that this does not negate the potential importance of hydrogen fuel development. Hydrogen has already found application in larger vehicles, such as trucks and buses, and in some factories, Buranin stated. The cost of producing green hydrogen is significant since renewable energy is used to separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen. He suggested that countries eager to transition to hydrogen fuel could initially opt for grey hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas. Though not the ideal choice for carbon reduction campaigns, it is a more feasible option. As per a World Economic Forum article, grey hydrogen is produced through a steam reforming process. This method generates fewer emissions compared to using black or brown coal for hydrogen production, reported Bangkok Post. “Producing grey hydrogen at a gas separation plant or an oil refinery is simpler than manufacturing batteries for cars,” Buranin contended. He expressed his belief that a key reason for Japanese firms’ interest in hydrogen fuel development is that it necessitates fewer alterations in oil-powered engine technology than a switch to electric mobility technology would require. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Security volunteer shot dead at father’s grave in Yala by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ทันข่าวภาคใต้ Facebook A fatal shooting incident took a grim turn in Yala when a security volunteer was brutally assassinated while he was reading the Quran at his father’s grave. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325226-security-volunteer-shot-dead-at-father’s-grave-in-yala/

A fatal shooting incident took a grim turn in Yala when a security volunteer was brutally assassinated while he was reading the Quran at his father’s grave. The 43 year old victim, Ruslee Daleng, was a ranger volunteer who received a fatal headshot at a Muslim graveyard situated in Tambon Than To of Yala’s Than To district. The Than To police were alerted yesterday about the incident. Ruslee was on vacation, visiting his ailing father, who passed away on April 14. After attending his father’s funeral, Ruslee had been partaking in a religious service at the cemetery yesterday, where his father was laid to rest. The fatal shooting transpired later that morning. In the course of the investigation, the police discovered a 9-millimetre cartridge at the scene. A manhunt is underway for the unidentified assailant, and the police are diligently working to ascertain if the homicide was linked to the ongoing unrest in the deep South or if it stemmed from a personal vendetta. In tandem with this event, enforcement agencies in the southern region, which include the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) Region 4 and the Provincial Police Region 9, have taken into custody 10 drug peddlers from four distinct drug cartels. In the process, they managed to confiscate a total of 600 kilograms of meth pills and six firearms, with an estimated value nearing 4 million baht (US$ 109,000). Given the current circumstances, the police are emphasising the necessity of stringent measures to combat the proliferation of drugs and weapons in the region. This vigilance is particularly crucial during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri religious holiday when illegal smuggling activities tend to escalate. In related news, a group of armed men sparked terror in Yala‘s Bannang Sata district when they targeted a pickup truck carrying border patrol police officers. The terrifying incident, which occurred on January 10, resulted in two officers being seriously wounded and caused locals to flee the scene in panic. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of ทันข่าวภาคใต้ Facebook Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 18 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325223-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-18-april-2024/