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Surat Thani, Thailand – In a recent incident that has sparked widespread concern, a video surfaced online showing an SUV recklessly racing along Baan Kai Beach on Pha Ngan Island. The footage, posted to a local Facebook group on April 17th, depicts the vehicle performing dangerous drifts close to the shoreline, occasionally breaching into the sea water. According to the post, the SUV is believed to be rented, with both the driver and passenger appearing to be foreigners. This reckless behavior has raised alarms among the community, particularly regarding the safety protocols and regulations enforced by car rental operators. The individual who shared the video expressed frustration over the inability to reach local authorities, highlighting potential gaps in emergency response systems. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nongprue, Near Pattaya-In the late hours of April 17th, 2024, the quiet of Chonburi Province was shattered by an explosion at the Banglamung Ice Factory. The blast, which occurred at approximately 11:36 p.m., sent chemical clouds billowing into the night sky, prompting immediate action from local officials. The District Chief of Bang Lamung, Mr. Weekit Manarojkit, was swiftly informed of the catastrophe that unfolded at the facility located at No. 54, Village No. 12, Nong Prue Subdistrict. The explosion resulted in a chemical spread covering an area exceeding one kilometer, leading to a significant emergency response. First responders, including land disaster prevention officials from Nong Prue Municipality and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya rescue workers, converged on the scene. Their priority was the evacuation of individuals in the vicinity and the establishment of a perimeter, barring access within a two-kilometer radius to ensure public safety. The chemicals released, suspected to be ammonia, had immediate and severe effects on the local populace. More than 60 individuals suffered various injuries, ranging from loss of consciousness to respiratory distress and irritation of the eyes and nose. Rescue teams provided critical first aid before the victims were transported to nearby medical facilities for further treatment. Eyewitness accounts from villagers living near the ice factory described the moment of the explosion as deafening, followed by the emergence of a noxious cloud that caused a burning sensation upon inhalation. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Forest fires on Doi Suthep (April 17, 2024) Forest fires broke out at two main spots on Doi Suthep, a famous tourist destination in Chiang Mai.The blaze can clearly be seen from a distance. According to social media post by Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Chiang Mai Governor, the fires started at around 21:20 at the back of Nong Ho Buddha Dhamma Temple. Three hours later (00:20), the governor posted that 50 fire fighters were dispatched and the fire is now 100 percent under control, while the damage assessment will be reported later during the day. It is also reported that this is the first time in 3 years since wild fires broke out in these spots. Forest fire season in Thailand usually lasts from February to May. Apart from wild fires, Chiang Mai is also one of the provinces that currently suffers from air pollution problem. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-18 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Thursday 18 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325209-thailand-live-thursday-18-april-2024/

Thailand launches eco, astro, and digital nomad visas for 2024 travellers by Kamaljeet Singh Photo via Dall-E As you plan your upcoming trip to Thailand in 2024, staying updated on the changing visa regulations with careful attention and a positive outlook is crucial. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325151-thailand-launches-eco-astro-and-digital-nomad-visas-for-2024-travellers/

Crackdown on foreign criminals – spotlight on Phuket FILE PHOTO: The Phuket News The authorities in Thailand continue to crack down on foreign criminals operating businesses illegally, using Thai nominees, lacking work permits, overstaying and “stealing” Thai jobs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325164-crackdown-on-foreign-criminals-–-spotlight-on-phuket/

The six-day Songkran festival holiday in Thailand ended in tragedy as road accidents claimed the lives of 243 people and left 1,837 others injured. As announced by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob on Wednesday, some 1,811 traffic accidents were recorded from April 11 to 16, coinciding with the period when many individuals travel back to their home provinces to join in the Songkran celebrations. Motorcycles were implicated in 84.9% of these traffic accidents. Songkran festival ends with 243 deaths in traffic accidents Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325172-songkran-festival-ends-with-243-deaths-in-traffic-accidents/

Thailand launches eco, astro, and digital nomad visas for 2024 travellers by Kamaljeet Singh Photo via Dall-E As you plan your upcoming trip to Thailand in 2024, staying updated on the changing visa regulations with careful attention and a positive outlook is crucial. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325151-thailand-launches-eco-astro-and-digital-nomad-visas-for-2024-travellers/

As you plan your upcoming trip to Thailand in 2024, staying updated on the changing visa regulations with careful attention and a positive outlook is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or making your first visit to the Land of Smiles, knowing the latest tourism visa requirements is key. The range of regulations spans from unique rules that may provoke amusement to stringent requirements that necessitate thorough attention, reflecting the diverse nature of Thailand’s visa framework. The rise of eco-tourism visas Get ready because, in 2024, Thailand is rolling out some cool eco-tourism visas. They’re all about bringing in folks who love sustainability as much as they do. So if you’re into visiting green initiatives and national parks, this one’s for you. They aim to promote conservation efforts and environmentally responsible travel. By choosing an eco-tourism visa, you’re contributing to Thailand’s green initiatives, aligning fun and responsibility seamlessly. Introduction of Astro-tourism and its impact Astro-tourism, a blend of astronomy and travel, gains momentum in Thailand. The country’s clear skies in certain areas, like Doi Inthanon and Koh Tao, become key attractions. Thailand’s introduction of astro-tourism visas caters to stargazers and space enthusiasts. This move puts Thailand on the map as a premier destination for astronomical observations, attracting a niche group of travellers. Home swapping and long-term visas Thailand jumps on the home-swapping trend, facilitating cultural exchanges and longer stays. Coupled with long-term visas, this trend allows you to live like a local, exploring Thailand beyond the tourist traps. It’s a serious shift towards immersive travel experiences, offering an in-depth understanding of Thai culture and lifestyle. The advent of digital nomad visas Thailand has formally acknowledged the digital nomad lifestyle by introducing dedicated visas. These visas establish a legal foundation for remote workers to reside and operate in Thailand, thereby elevating its status as a worldwide work hub. This initiative underscores Thailand’s recognition of the evolving employment landscape, presenting an equilibrium between professional duties and leisure in a tropical setting. Funny and serious facts about Thailand and visas Photo via Dall_E The world’s longest city name and its visa office You might find it amusing that the full name of Bangkok, Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit, holds the record for the world’s longest city name. When applying for a visa at local offices, officials operate under the city’s abbreviated moniker, Bangkok, simplifying documents and communications. This contrast between formal and casual name usage presents a curious fact for newcomers and applicants alike. Celebrating the new year three times: Visa validity extensions? Thailand offers a unique experience with the possibility to celebrate New Year three times. Thanks to the Gregorian calendar, the Chinese New Year, and the Thai New Year (Songkran), are observed in April. However, don’t expect visa validity extensions to align with these festivities. Visa policies remain unchanged irrespective of the triple celebrations. This scenario showcases Thailand’s blend of tradition and regulation, offering both fun and serious insights into its cultural and bureaucratic landscape. The quirky side of Thai visa applications Thai visa applications occasionally reveal curious requests, ranging from applicants inquiring about bringing pets on tourist visas to questions about visa eligibility for meditation retreats. Thai authorities handle each request with a blend of professionalism and flexibility, reflecting the country’s accommodating nature. These quirky inquiries underscore the diverse reasons people visit Thailand, blending fun facts with the serious task of visa processing. Thailand’s approach to AI and visa processing In a move that straddles the line between serious and futuristic, Thailand has begun experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI) in streamlining visa processing. This initiative aims to reduce wait times and improve accuracy in application assessments. While the implementation of AI in visa processes might sound like something out of a sci-fi novel, it’s a testament to Thailand’s commitment to adopting innovative solutions to meet the challenges of modern tourism and immigration. Cultural nuances and visa policies Photo via Dall_E The Colour for every day of the week and its visa significance In Thailand, colours hold significant cultural value, influencing even the realms of visa policies. Each day of the week corresponds to a specific colour, reflecting traditional Thai beliefs. This cultural nuance, while subtle, plays a role in the design and issuance of certain visa documents and promotional materials. For instance, document colours and visa campaign themes often align with these cultural beliefs to resonate more deeply with the local populace. Understanding these colour codes can enhance your grasp of Thai culture and make your visa application process more insightful. Spirit houses and their place in Visa lore Spirit houses, prevalent across Thailand, embody the nation’s spiritual heritage. These miniature shrines, found outside businesses and homes, are believed to provide shelter to spirits. Interestingly, their significance extends into the realm of visa lore. Applicants sometimes seek blessings at spirit houses, hoping for a favourable outcome. While there’s no formal link between spirit houses and visa policies, this practice underlines the deep intertwining of cultural beliefs and daily activities in Thailand, including the journey of securing a visa. Monastic stays: A special visa category? Monastic stays represent a unique intersection of tourism and spirituality in Thailand. Recognising this, Thailand introduced a special visa category facilitating extended stays for those wishing to engage in religious studies or meditation retreats in monasteries. This visa category underscores Thailand’s commitment to preserving its religious heritage while opening its doors to cultural exchange. It caters specifically to individuals seeking not just a visit, but a profound immersion in the country’s spiritual life, highlighting a blend of fun facts and serious information amidst Thailand’s visa trends. Facing a Thai visa denial can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding the reasons behind the rejection, addressing them directly, and meticulously preparing your next application, you can turn a denial into an approval, opening the door to your Thai adventure. by Kamaljeet Singh TOP Photo via Dall-E Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Indian man arrested for murder of Thai girlfriend at hotel in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Police arrested an Indian man in the central province of Kanchanaburi for the murder of his Thai girlfriend at a hotel in Bangkok. The woman’s dead body was found in a hotel room on April 16 with 31 stab wounds across her body. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325117-thai-woman-found-murdered-in-bangkok-hotel-indian-guest-prime-suspect/?do=findComment&comment=18849157

Indian man arrested for murder of Thai girlfriend at hotel in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via MGR Online Police arrested an Indian man in the central province of Kanchanaburi for the murder of his Thai girlfriend at a hotel in Bangkok. The woman’s dead body was found in a hotel room on April 16 with 31 stab wounds across her body. The death of the 51 year old Thai woman, Sukanya, was reported to Talat Phlu Police Station on April 16. Her dead body was in room number 210 of a hotel in the Talat Phlu neighbourhood in the Thon Buri district of Bangkok. According to the police report, Sukanya was lying dead in a pool of blood on the floor. She had 31 stab wounds with police predicting that she died an hour before her discovery. The murder weapon, a 30-centimetre knife, was found near her body. Sukanya’s belongings remained undisturbed. One of her mobile phones had run out of battery, while another displayed numerous missed calls from a loan shark. Bloodstains adorned the room, staining the floor, walls, and even the bathroom. The hotel staff disclosed to the police that Sukanya had checked into the hotel on April 7, accompanied by her Indian boyfriend. On April 16, the hotel staff witnessed her boyfriend departing in the afternoon on a blue-grey Honda Wave motorcycle. The staff also reported hearing an argument between Sukanya and the Indian man earlier that day. When they attempted to contact Sukanya regarding the noise, the Indian man answered the phone but refused to speak to them and hung up. Murderer flees The hotel staff presumed that the couple had resolved their dispute as the commotion had ceased. However, they saw the Indian man leaving the hotel unaccompanied in the afternoon. Sukanya, who typically departed in the evening, did not emerge from the premises as usual. Concerned, the staff investigated and tragically found her lifeless body. Police identified the Indian man as 32 year old Rajman Yabav and managed to arrest him six hours after the murder. Yabav attempted to flee Thailand but was intercepted at the border between Thailand and Myanmar in Kanchanaburi province. Yabav admitted to the murder, citing personal conflict with Sukanya as the motive. The details of their conflict have not yet been revealed. Yabav was charged with intentional murder which will result in the death penalty, life imprisonment or imprisonment from 15 to 20 years according to Section 288 of the Criminal Law. Police added that Yabav was deported once on March 27 this year but sneaked into Thailand across the border in Kanchnaburi province. He had a secret relationship with Sukanya, and they would meet at the hotel. Sukanya reportedly lied to her daughter and husband that she was visiting her sick grandmother at her home in Bangkok’s Jomthong district but was meeting with Yabav. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Relocation of cadmium tailings from Bangkok commences May 7 by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Police The logistics of relocating cadmium tailings from Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, and Chon Buri back to their original location in Tak is set to start on May 7. Bound & Beyond Plc, the company responsible for the task, has a deadline of 36 days to execute the operation, as stated by Pimphattra Wichaikul, the Industry Minister. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325139-relocation-of-cadmium-tailings-from-bangkok-commences-may-7/

The logistics of relocating cadmium tailings from Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, and Chon Buri back to their original location in Tak is set to start on May 7. Bound & Beyond Plc, the company responsible for the task, has a deadline of 36 days to execute the operation, as stated by Pimphattra Wichaikul, the Industry Minister. Pimphattra revealed yesterday that the committee in charge of the tailings’ transport has considered a revised plan by Bound & Beyond Plc. This revised plan involves the use of 30 trucks to relocate 450 tonnes of cadmium tailings per day, starting May 7. The initial plan proposed the use of 10 trucks for 92 days, but the committee requested an increase to cut down on the duration. The cadmium tailings will be disposed of in pits specially prepared in Tak. These pits are due for inspection today for safety and sturdiness by officers from the Industry Ministry’s Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM), the Tak Provincial Public Works, the Town & Country Planning Office, and other agencies. To ensure environmental protection and prevent leakage, safety measures such as double-bagging the cadmium tailings before transportation and regular examination of subterranean water from a monitoring well near the disposal pits every three months have been put in place. The disposal pits are lined with two layers of 1.5-millimetre HDPE sheets and will be closed off with sand, HDPE sheets, and reinforced concrete once the tailings are buried, reported Bangkok Post. As it stands, of the 13,382 tonnes of cadmium tailings that were illegally moved from a landfill in Tak, 12,421 tonnes have been found. These include 6,378 tonnes at J&B Metal Co in Samut Sakhon, 1,034 tonnes at Chin Hong Cheng Inter Tech (2008) Co in Samut Sakhon, 468 tonnes at a warehouse in Khlong Ma Duea in Samut Sakhon, 4,391 tonnes at a warehouse in Chon Buri’s Ban Bung district, and the other 150 tonnes were found at LL0 Metal Co in Bangkok’s Bang Sue district. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Police Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Duo steals million-baht diamond bracelet from Bangkok mall by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A sophisticated heist unfolded at a renowned shopping mall in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district yesterday, where thieves made off with a diamond bracelet valued at over 1 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325138-duo-steals-million-baht-diamond-bracelet-from-bangkok-mall/

A sophisticated heist unfolded at a renowned shopping mall in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district yesterday, where thieves made off with a diamond bracelet valued at over 1 million baht. The pair, posing as customers, managed to deceive the staff and conceal the high-value item before fleeing the scene in a waiting taxi. The two criminals orchestrated the brazen theft yesterday, April 16, in the heart of Bangkok. "Foreigners" The suspects, a man and a woman believed to be in their thirties and resembling foreigners, entered a jewellery store and expressed interest in an exquisite yellow-gold diamond bracelet worth approximately 1,040,000 baht (US$28,000). As the employee’s attention was momentarily diverted, the female accomplice discreetly tucked the bracelet up her left sleeve, using a mobile phone to distract the staff further. Subsequently, they swiftly exited the store and escaped in a taxi bearing the license plate 1มค 9327. The store manager, 39 year old Somtut, was understandably shaken as he recounted the events to the police. Officers, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Pichai Raksakom of Pathumwan Police Station, arrived promptly with the investigative team and forensic officers to examine the scene. Witnesses provided descriptions of the suspects, noting their casual attire, with both wearing grey T-shirts, the man in black trousers and the woman in black shorts, and both sporting eyeglasses and a black cap, reported KhaoSod. The meticulous coordination of the crime and the swift getaway sparked suspicions that the taxi driver might be complicit in the operation. The police promptly issued an alert to intercept the vehicle, which was last seen heading towards Don Mueang via the Din Daeng motorway. Unfortunately, the suspects managed to evade capture. In related news, a bold theft occurred yesterday at 7pm when a lone robber seized a 5-baht weight gold necklace valued at over 210,000 baht from the Aurora gold shop located inside a shopping mall in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Love triangle: 2 Chinese men injured after fighting over Thai woman by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Two Chinese men suffered injuries after they fought for the hand of a Thai woman outside her condo in the central province of Prachin Buri on April 13. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325137-love-triangle-2-chinese-men-injured-after-fighting-over-thai-woman/

Two Chinese men suffered injuries after they fought for the hand of a Thai woman outside her condo in the central province of Prachin Buri on April 13. Srimahapho Police Station officers were called to a stabbing incident outside a room on the second floor of the condominium in Srimahapho district of Prachin Buri at about 1.30am on that day. They discovered blood strains along the hallway and outside the woman’s room. One of the injured Chinese men, whose identity was not disclosed, was taken to Kasemrad Prachin Buri Hospital before the police arrived. He had five stab wounds to his back and lost a lot of blood. The other Chinese man, Ku Yioiang, reportedly fled the scene after the altercation. Police reported that the two Chinese men engaged in a stabbing frenzy due to jealousy. The unidentified Chinese man called his Thai girlfriend, who lived in the condominium, but Ku answered the phone. During the heated argument over the phone, Ku challenged the other Chinese man to meet outside the Thai woman’s room. When the unidentified Chinese man arrived, Ku allegedly stabbed him multiple times in the back and then fled. The Thai woman’s neighbour told police that he heard people arguing outside his room but did not check until the woman knocked on his door and asked for help. He found the injured Chinese man sitting in a pool of blood outside and helped the woman call the hospital. Ku also sustained injuries during the altercation but did not get far. He sought treatment at Kasemrad Prachin Buri Hospital for a five-centimetre cut wound on his right hand. Medical workers provided him with treatment and later sent him to the police for further questioning. He admitted to stabbing the other Chinese man and confessed that he abandoned the knife used in the crime near the hospital. As of now, no charges have been filed against any parties involved. by Petch Petpailin Photo via ThaiRath Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok police seize 40,000 meth pills in Sai Mai district bust by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A significant drug bust occurred today when police apprehended a 32 year old man with a shipment of 40,000 methamphetamine pills in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district. The arrest took place in a desolate area within Soi Sukhaphiban 5 Soi 32, following a covert investigation that linked the drug dealer, Teerapong, to the distribution of drugs to local retailers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325136-bangkok-police-seize-40000-meth-pills-in-sai-mai-district-bust/

A significant drug bust occurred today when police apprehended a 32 year old man with a shipment of 40,000 methamphetamine pills in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district. The arrest took place in a desolate area within Soi Sukhaphiban 5 Soi 32, following a covert investigation that linked the drug dealer, Teerapong, to the distribution of drugs to local retailers. The arrest was the culmination of an operation spearheaded by senior officers from Bangkok’s Division 6 Police, who acted on intelligence that Teerapong was involved in selling methamphetamine, commonly known as Yaba, to small-scale vendors in the Sai Mai area. Teerapong had arranged to deliver the drugs at a deserted spot in Soi Sukhaphiban 5, prompting the police to mount surveillance in the vicinity. When Teerapong appeared, carrying a suspicious-looking foam box, his behaviour raised the suspicions of the police. Upon inspection, the police discovered the 40,000 Yaba pills concealed within the box. The drugs reportedly purchased from an individual known as C Khlong Song, were bundled into 42 packs, each bought for 11,000 baht (US$300) with the intent to sell them at 12,000 baht (US$330) per pack, reported KhaoSod. During interrogation, Teerapong admitted to acquiring the methamphetamine to sell it to an arranged buyer. However, before the transaction could be completed, the police intercepted and arrested him. The seized evidence and Teerapong were immediately taken into custody, and he was transferred to the investigative officers at the Kannayao Police Station for further legal proceedings. In related news, a major drug bust involving 10 million methamphetamine pills, valued at 500 million baht (US$13.9 million), was thwarted by authorities in Ayutthaya province. The capture was made possible after a meticulous tracking operation, leading to the arrest of two suspects who attempted to disguise the illicit cargo amidst vegetables on a six-wheeled truck. On February 29, at around 11pm, law enforcement officers swooped in on a gas station in Bang Pahan district, Ayutthaya province, following a prolonged surveillance operation that began in the northern province of Phayao. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s foreign tourism boom: 10 million visitors fuel 500 billion windfall by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Ragnar Vorel, Unsplash Thailand has welcomed over 10 million foreign tourists this year alone, leading to revenue exceeding 500 billion baht, reported the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The data, up to date as of yesterday, shows 10,723,953 foreign visitors have contributed to an income of 518 billion baht (US$14 billion). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325135-thailand’s-foreign-tourism-boom-10-million-visitors-fuel-500-billion-windfall/

Thailand has welcomed over 10 million foreign tourists this year alone, leading to revenue exceeding 500 billion baht, reported the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The data, up to date as of yesterday, shows 10,723,953 foreign visitors have contributed to an income of 518 billion baht (US$14 billion). Chinese tourists led the pack with over 2 million visitors, followed by 1.39 million from Malaysia, 695,624 from Russia, 619,186 from South Korea, and 546,935 from India, as stated by the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The ministry holds an ambitious target of enticing 40 million foreign visitors this year, a figure that matches the pre-pandemic numbers from 2019. A projected income of 3 trillion baht (US$82 billion) from both domestic and foreign tourists is expected by year-end. Reflecting on the previous year, over 28 million foreign arrivals resulted in an income of 1.2 trillion baht (US$33 billion), as per the ministry’s records. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Tourism and Sports Minister, revealed that 735,802 foreign travellers visited Thailand from April 8 to April 14, averaging 105,115 visitors per day. This is an approximately 19% increase compared to the previous week’s 617,800. During this period, the majority of visitors were Malaysian nationals, numbering 150,390, followed by 148,653 from China, 36,056 from India, 34,671 from Russia, and 30,427 from South Korea. Sudawan anticipates a continued rise in foreign visitors due to factors such as the end of Ramadan, which is expected to trigger a surge in tourists from Malaysia, as well as free-visa agreements with several countries. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin expressed his delight at the news of over 10 million tourists visiting this year, reported Bangkok Post. “Things have improved. The figures have increased by more than 140% compared to the previous year. I believe this year will see a huge number of foreign visitors to Thailand. I also hope that officials will improve immigration control systems to ensure visitors avoid long queues and lengthy waits.” The 62 year old Thai prime minister made these remarks during his visit to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s Chan Song La residence, marking the Songkran festival. He expressed optimism based on the positive feedback from immigration offices and tourism agencies. “During Songkran, the tourism industry has received a huge boost with a substantial amount of money circulating.” by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Ragnar Vorel, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nakhon Ratchasima farmer wins 12 million baht lottery by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A timely stroke of luck has befallen a widowed farmer in Nakhon Ratchasima as he won a staggering 12 million baht in the lottery, with plans to generously donate a boat to a local rowing club because of his grandchild’s national team success. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325134-nakhon-ratchasima-farmer-wins-12-million-baht-lottery/

A timely stroke of luck has befallen a widowed farmer in Nakhon Ratchasima as he won a staggering 12 million baht in the lottery, with plans to generously donate a boat to a local rowing club because of his grandchild’s national team success. Manat Samleeklang, a 58 year old widowed farmer, yesterday, April 16, experienced a life-changing moment when he learned he had won the first prize in the Thai National Lottery, securing a prize of 12 million baht (US$330,000) with two tickets bearing the number 943598. The fortunate event occurred in Ban Don Nam Sub, a rural community where Manat resides. His winning streak has attracted considerable attention from relatives and neighbours, who have flocked to his home to celebrate the win. Manat has led a modest life as a farmer and cattle herder since his wife passed away six years ago. He lives with his middle daughter, 36 year old Narirat Samleeklang. He has a routine of purchasing lottery tickets for each draw, selecting numbers that match the license plate of his beloved motorcycle, which this time proved to be his lucky charm. Initially seeking a ticket ending in 198, he settled for 598 when the exact number was unavailable, a decision that would later prove to be serendipitous. Upon discovering his win, Manat’s joy was immense, prompting him to record the event at the local police station for verification. Manat’s newfound wealth has outlined his intentions to settle debts, support his children’s futures, and contribute to his grandchildren’s educational needs. Additionally, he plans to make merit in memory of his late wife, reported KhaoSod. A significant portion of the windfall will go towards purchasing a boat for the rowing club of Ban Don Kheaw School in Amphoe Phimai. This gesture is close to his heart, as his grandchild is a member of the Thai national rowing team that won the Dragon Boat World Championship in its 16th edition, held from August 7 to August 13 last year. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Foreign man drowns while retrieving water gun in canal in Bangkok by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สำนักข่าวราษฎร - Ratsadon News A foreign man drowned while reportedly retrieving his water gun in the Saen Saep Canal in Bangkok during the Songkran Festival on April 14. His nationality wasn’t specified. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324997-foreign-tourist-drowns-trying-to-retrieve-water-gun-from-bangkok-canal/?do=findComment&comment=18848926