webfact

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

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. Phayathai Police Station officers were notified about the drowning near Pratunam Pier in the Saen Saep Canal on the evening of April 14. Then, police officers rushed to the scene with volunteer divers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation. The divers took a short time searching and managed to discover the dead body of the foreign man. His identity has not yet been confirmed. Thai PBS reported that the foreign man participated in water splashing with other foreigners and locals near the canal. He accidentally dropped his water gun in the canal and jumped in to retrieve it. However, he disappeared into the water, prompting a foreign witness to jump into the water to help him. The foreign witness was unable to find the victim and later reported the matter to Phayathai Police Station. A Thai man named Noi reported to the media that he was sitting and drinking alcohol with his friends near the scene. He met the foreign man before the incident, and the foreigner appeared intoxicated. Noi said he saw the foreign man fall off the stairs near the pier and went to help him up. He asked him to sit and rest on the stairs and returned to drink with his friends. Deputy Superintendent of Phayathai Police Station Chotpisit Narongsak reported that police also awaited the autopsy to identify the foreign man. Chotpisit suspected that the deceased might have been drunk and accidentally fell into the river. The pier was closed from April 13 to 16, and operations resumed today, April 17, after the long Songkran holiday. Further investigation into the cause of the drowning would be conducted. Another drowning reported during the water festival occurred yesterday, April 16, in the central province of Ratchaburi. A 14 year old Burmese boy named Tawanchai was having a water fight with his friends and went into the Chonlapratan Canal to clean himself. Tawanchai could not swim, so he opted to hold a rope tied to a wooden pole at the bank while cleaning his body. Unfortunately, the rope snapped, causing the boy to fall into the river and drown. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chiang Mai Zoo splashes 29 million baht on renovated aquarium by Mitch Connor Picture of children watching a giant sea turtle courtesy of Chiang Mai Zoo Chiang Mai Zoo proudly unveiled its renovated aquarium following a substantial financial investment of over 29 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325132-chiang-mai-zoo-splashes-29-million-baht-on-renovated-aquarium/

Chiang Mai Zoo proudly unveiled its renovated aquarium following a substantial financial investment of over 29 million baht. The refurbishment of this unique mountain-based aquarium, the first of its kind in Thailand, is projected to draw an increased number of visitors. Wuthichai Muangman, the zoo’s director, shared that Attapon Srihayrun, the director-general of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPO), granted this budget for 2023 to facilitate the aquarium’s makeover. The renovation was completed successfully and the aquarium doors were reopened to the public on the first day of April, Wuthichai confirmed. With a fresh theme focussed on environmental protection and earth preservation, the upgraded aquarium is anticipated to boost its income by 10% from entry fees, Attapon projected. The aquarium had been temporarily closed last year to facilitate the refurbishment work. “The renovated aquarium is expected to be a hit among tourists, given its unique proposition of bringing the sea to a mountain and its adherence to international standards. It also serves as an excellent educational hub for children and young visitors.” Attapon further highlighted the affordable entry fees when compared to other global aquariums, which typically charge a minimum of 1,000 baht per visitor. The Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium’s admission fees are set at 300 baht for Thai adults, 175 baht for Thai children, 640 baht for foreign adults, and 375 baht for foreign children. Additionally, the ZPO plans to allocate an extra budget of one million baht to the aquarium for the acquisition of more marine species, Attapon revealed. Beyond being a tourist magnet and educational facility, the aquarium plays a crucial role as a research and conservation centre, Attapon pointed out. Narutat Chareonsedtasin, CEO of Marine Scape (Thailand), the company managing the Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium, elaborated on the aquarium’s unique features. Boasting the longest underwater tunnel in the world, spanning 133 metres, the aquarium also exhibits the most diverse river fish species in Thailand. Over 80 species from the Mekong River Basin and Chao Phraya Basin are displayed here, reported Bangkok Post. The renovation work extended to improving the aquarium’s air conditioning, walkways, ventilation and the well-being of the marine animals, Chareonsedtasin added. by Mitch Connor Picture of children watching a giant sea turtle courtesy of Chiang Mai Zoo Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nearly 100k return to Bangkok post-Songkran via public transport by Top Picture courtesy of BorKorSor The acting director and president of Transport Company Ltd made a public announcement yesterday, disclosing the substantial numbers of citizens returning to Bangkok after the Songkran festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325131-nearly-100k-return-to-bangkok-post-songkran-via-public-transport/

The acting director and president of Transport Company Ltd made a public announcement yesterday, disclosing the substantial numbers of citizens returning to Bangkok after the Songkran festival. Between April 15 and 17, passenger logs recorded more than 99,995 individuals making their round trips using public buses and vans. The total number of trips during this period exceeded 6,689. Atthawit Rakchamroon shared that, in line with the Ministry of Transport‘s policy, he had directed the station masters of the Transport Company across Thailand to ensure travellers’ comfort, convenience, safety, and convergence. To accommodate the increased demand for public transportation back to Bangkok, additional buses and vans were prepared. Prior to their deployment, all vehicles and drivers underwent thorough inspection, Atthawit added. In terms of the travel route, Atthawit stated that inbound buses from the Transport Company would first stop at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal. From there, they would proceed to the Bangkok Bus Terminal, their final destination. Both terminals serve as intermodal transportation hubs, connecting trains, MRT, BTS, and other outbound public transportation routes. Atthawit also noted that those planning to travel to Bangkok from April 22 to 24, have the option to buy E-tickets and avail of a special promotion of 20% off (excluding fees). For further details, individuals can contact the Transport Company call centre at 1490. Passenger safety “The Transport Company Ltd., is committed to ensuring the safety and convenience of our passengers, especially during peak travel times such as the Songkran Festival. We have increased our capacity and heightened our safety protocols to meet the surge in demand.” The Songkran festival, which marks the traditional Thai New Year, is one of the biggest holidays in Thailand. It is a time when many Thais return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. The festival’s conclusion typically sees a large-scale movement of people returning to the capital, Bangkok, resulting in a significant increase in demand for public transportation services, reported Pattaya News. “Our dedicated team, from the station masters to the drivers, has worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for everyone. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and understanding during this time.” The Transport Company Ltd., under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, is one of the main operators of intercity bus services in Thailand. It provides extensive coverage across the country, connecting major cities and provinces, and plays a crucial role in facilitating the mobility of people, especially during important festivals like Songkran, said Atthawit. “We will continue to strive for excellence in our services, prioritising the safety and comfort of our passengers. We are grateful for their trust and support, and we look forward to serving them on their future journeys.” by Top Picture courtesy of BorKorSor Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Liquor firms exploit music marketing to boost product visibility by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Rad Season Stop-Drink Network Thailand has raised concerns about liquor corporations’ use of music marketing tactics to advertise their products. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325130-liquor-firms-exploit-music-marketing-to-boost-product-visibility/

Stop-Drink Network Thailand has raised concerns about liquor corporations’ use of music marketing tactics to advertise their products. Teera Watcharapranee, the network’s director, unveiled that a network survey revealed beverage enterprises leveraging music marketing to fuse artists and performers, conducting concerts to boost their product’s visibility, particularly across social media platforms. The investigation was carried out during the Songkran festival on April 13 and 14. Volunteers were dispatched to scrutinise the marketing efforts of three substantial alcoholic beverage producers. The events were hosted in and around leading shopping centres, restaurants, and nightlife hotspots. Many of these events were complimentary concerts, while others necessitated an attendance fee. Watcharapranee highlighted that these companies had adopted a brand-sharing approach, using identical brand names and logos for their alcoholic and non-alcoholic products, such as still water and soda water. This method is seen as a way to sidestep stringent alcohol advertising regulations. “This could contravene Section 32 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which oversees alcohol advertising.” Watcharapranee further revealed instances where concert tickets could be exchanged for free beer, and organisers failed to screen for underage attendees. Watcharapranee shared plans to report the findings to the government’s Road Safety Centre for further scrutiny. The data will also be sent to a House committee responsible for amending the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. This ensures the revised law would implement measures to keep pace with the marketing strategies of liquor companies and mitigate indirect advertising of their alcoholic products, said Watcharapranee. “The law must be amended to control the sale of alcoholic beverages by major liquor companies.” Watcharapranee also suggested that the Public Health Ministry should shift its focus to tackling new marketing strategies by liquor companies rather than concentrating solely on drunk driving-related road accidents. Watcharapranee warned that new marketing campaigns are designed to entice new drinkers. Without any counter-action, the financial burden of medical bills and other related costs would fall on the Public Health Ministry, he concluded. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Rad Season Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe