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Wichit – A fire has destroyed an old wooden house in Wichit on Tuesday (April 16th). The Wichit Police told the Phuket Express that they were notified of the incident at 11:00 A.M. at a house in Soi Poon Sap. Firefighters with fire engines arrived at the house which was ablaze. It took about half an hour to control the fire without it spreading to nearby houses. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Phuket Records a Total of 39 Accidents in Five Days of the ‘Songkran Seven Days of Road Safety Campaign’ By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –Phuket has announced a total of 39 road accidents, 39 injuries, and zero deaths in the first five days (April 11th – April 15th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. Fulll story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325086-phuket’s-seven-days-safety-campaign-shows-zero-fatalities/?do=findComment&comment=18848144

Phuket Records a Total of 39 Accidents in Five Days of the ‘Songkran Seven Days of Road Safety Campaign’ By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –Phuket has announced a total of 39 road accidents, 39 injuries, and zero deaths in the first five days (April 11th – April 15th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. The Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Office told the Phuket Express on Tuesday (April 16th) the details from the fifth day (April 15th) of the campaign. There were a total of 9 road accidents resulting in 9 injuries. Two road accidents were in the Mueang District involving two injuries. One accident and one injury took place in the Thalang district. Six accidents with six injuries also took place in the Kathu district (Home of Patong). Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Rawai Road Collision Results in Multiple Injuries and Infrastructure Damage By Goongnang Suksawat Rawai, Phuket-In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a serious traffic incident occurred in Rawai, leading to a sequence of accidents that resulted in injuries and significant damage to public infrastructure. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325111-rawai-road-collision-results-in-multiple-injuries-and-infrastructure-damage/

Rawai, Phuket-In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a serious traffic incident occurred in Rawai, leading to a sequence of accidents that resulted in injuries and significant damage to public infrastructure. At approximately 4:15 A.M., Chalong Police received reports of a collision on a curve in Rawai. Upon arrival, officers discovered a sedan that had collided with a power pole, causing it to fall and bring down electrical cables. The two occupants of the sedan sustained minor injuries. In a related incident on the opposite lane, a minivan collided with an oil truck that had been obstructed by the fallen cables. This second collision led to three individuals in the minivan being injured and an oil spill from the damaged vehicle. All injured parties were promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Records Total of 206 Deaths in Five Days of the ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ By Goongnang Suksawat A total of 1,564 road accidents, with 1,593 injuries and 206 deaths, were reported on Tuesday (April 16th) by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in five days (April 11th -April 15th) of the ‘Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ during Songkran (April 11th – April 17th) 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325110-thailand-records-total-of-206-deaths-in-5-days-of-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign/

A total of 1,564 road accidents, with 1,593 injuries and 206 deaths, were reported on Tuesday (April 16th) by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in five days (April 11th -April 15th) of the ‘Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ during Songkran (April 11th – April 17th) 2024. The province with the total highest fatalities were Bangkok and Chiang Rai with 13 deaths each. The total highest number of accidents was Chiang Rai with 61 and the highest number of injuries was Nan with 60 injuries. There were 39 deaths, 301 road accidents, and 314 injuries in total reported on the fifth day (April 15th) of the campaign. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: PM Dampens Speculation Of Taking Over Defence Portfolio By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visiting de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, above, and waving to supporters outside the latter’s house, Photo: Naewna PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin today (Apr. 16) downplayed speculation he himself would likely replace Suthin Khlangsang as defence minister in concurrent fashion, repeatedly saying nothing about an imminent cabinet reshuffle can be confirmed by him for the time being. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325108-cabinet-reshuffle-talks-confirmed-by-pm-after-songkran-visit-to-thonburi-to-meet-thaksin/?do=findComment&comment=18848136

PM Dampens Speculation Of Taking Over Defence Portfolio By Thai Newsroom Reporters Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visiting de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, above, and waving to supporters outside the latter’s house, Photo: Naewna PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin today (Apr. 16) downplayed speculation he himself would likely replace Suthin Khlangsang as defence minister in concurrent fashion, repeatedly saying nothing about an imminent cabinet reshuffle can be confirmed by him for the time being. Srettha has remained non-committal to any hush-hush moves toward the first round of a cabinet reshuffle, saying nothing about it can be said with clarity at the moment though many people may anticipate it even sooner than later. The Pheu Thai-backed prime minister has been largely expected to leave the seat of finance minister which he has been assuming in concurrent fashion since Day One of the Pheu Thai-led government to Stock Exchange of Thailand chair Pichai Chunhavajira and instead to take the seat of defence minister concurrently as well. “That I have occasionally held talks with military commanders does not necessarily mean I would probably assume the portfolio of defence. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Gold prices in Thailand surge to historic 42,050 baht high by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Jingming Pan, Unsplash Gold prices reached a new high today, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reporting a significant increase to 42,050 baht per baht weight, marking a historic surge. In a remarkable shift, gold ornament prices soared by 600 baht compared to the previous day’s closing figures. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325109-gold-prices-in-thailand-surge-to-historic-42050-baht-high/

Gold prices reached a new high today, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reporting a significant increase to 42,050 baht per baht weight, marking a historic surge. In a remarkable shift, gold ornament prices soared by 600 baht compared to the previous day’s closing figures. The GTA website showed that as of 9.02am, domestic gold bars were purchased at 41,450 baht per baht-weight and sold at 41,550 baht. This initial announcement set the tone for the trading day, indicating a robust start for gold transactions. In terms of gold ornaments, which consist of 96.5% gold, the buying price was set at 40,704.60 baht per baht-weight, with a selling price of 42,050 baht. The spot gold price on the global market stood at 2,384.00 US dollars per ounce. This jump in gold prices follows an upward trend from the close of business on April 12, where a 600 baht increase was immediately apparent upon the market’s opening this morning, reported KhaoSod. The surge in gold prices today not only broke records but also pushed the benchmark beyond the 42,000 baht threshold. To summarise the prices on April 16: gold bars were bought at 41,450 baht and sold at 41,550 baht per baht-weight, while gold ornaments were bought at 40,704.6 baht and sold at 42,050 baht per baht-weight. In related news, gold prices in Thailand skyrocketed, setting a new all-time high record, reflecting a sharp increase of 750 baht from the previous day’s closing rate. The surge occurred amidst volatile market conditions, with the GTA announcing five price changes within the first 35 minutes of the trading day, starting with an initial hike of 700 baht at 9am. The second announcement saw an additional increase of 50 baht, pushing the selling price of 96.5% pure gold bars to 41,200 baht and the buying price to 41,100 baht. The price for gold ornaments was set at 41,700 baht for selling and 40,355.92 baht for buying. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of Jingming Pan, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Big cabinet reshuffle talks confirmed by the PM after Songkran visit to Thonburi to meet Thaksin at home by Joseph O' Connor Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Thaksin Shinawatra’s Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi. (Inset) The Prime Minister wishes Mr Thaksin a Happy New Year as part of Songkran by pouring water over his head. Major cabinet reshuffle talks confirmed by PM Srettha Thavisin after a Songkran visit to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Thonburi. Several ministers, including the senior ones at public health and defence, are expected to be replaced. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325108-cabinet-reshuffle-talks-confirmed-by-pm-after-songkran-visit-to-thonburi-to-meet-thaksin/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Thaksin Shinawatra’s Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi. (Inset) The Prime Minister wishes Mr Thaksin a Happy New Year as part of Songkran by pouring water over his head. Major cabinet reshuffle talks confirmed by PM Srettha Thavisin after a Songkran visit to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Thonburi. Several ministers, including the senior ones at public health and defence, are expected to be replaced. Despite weeks of conflicting messages and denials by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on Tuesday, he conceded that talks about a cabinet reshuffle will commence. Mr Srettha was speaking during a visit to pay a Songkran courtesy call on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This took place at Thaksin’s residence in the Thonburi area of Bangkok on Tuesday morning. In the shakeup, Minister of Public Health Cholnan Srikaew looks likely to be axed along with Minister of Defence Sutin Klangsaeng. At the same time, a key Thaksin confidante is tipped to assume the chair at the Ministry of Finance and become a new deputy prime minister. There are also less reliable reports of a return to the cabinet of General Prawit Wongsuwan as a deputy prime minister. Public Health Minister Cholnan Srikaew is rumoured to be for the chop. In short, it comes as speculation grows of a cabinet reshuffle. The Public health Minister who has been under pressure with controversial new legislation to control marijuana, is earmarked to join the parliamentary ranks instead. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Tour Boat Catches Fire In Ayutthaya, All Aboard Rescued by TNR Staff A fierce fire from the boat spreading to the pier. Photo: TV Channel 7 A TOUR BOAT of a well-known restaurant in Ayutthaya caught fire in the middle of Chao Pharya river at 2 p.m. today (Apr. 16) but fortunately all 24 tourists and the skipper were rescued by two other boats, TV Channel 7 said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325089-tourist-boat-catches-fire-while-on-river-sight-seeing-in-ayutthaya/?do=findComment&comment=18848126

Tour Boat Catches Fire In Ayutthaya, All Aboard Rescued by TNR Staff A fierce fire from the boat spreading to the pier. Photo: TV Channel 7 A TOUR BOAT of a well-known restaurant in Ayutthaya caught fire in the middle of Chao Pharya river at 2 p.m. today (Apr. 16) but fortunately all 24 tourists and the skipper were rescued by two other boats, TV Channel 7 said. The boat was sailing back to the restaurant when a cloud of smoke suddenly poured out of the hull. The skipper tried to go down and investigate but could not do so because the smoke was too thick. Fortunately, all aboard were wearing life jackets and jumped into the river. Two passing boats, one from the Marine Department and other from another restaurant, rescued all of them. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran revellers left behind more than 100 tonnes of garbage on Silom and Khao San roads Khao San Road on the morning after the last day of Songkran festival The three-day Songkran water splashing on Khao San road was over on Monday night and left behind about 116 tonnes of garbage, mostly drinking water bottles, plastic bags, water guns, plastic buckets and traces of white clay flour, to be collected by city collectors. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325107-songkran-revellers-left-behind-more-than-100-tonnes-of-garbage-on-silom-and-khao-san-roads/

The three-day Songkran water splashing on Khao San road was over on Monday night and left behind about 116 tonnes of garbage, mostly drinking water bottles, plastic bags, water guns, plastic buckets and traces of white clay flour, to be collected by city collectors. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt supervised about 250 city workers in the cleanup of Khao Sarn road this morning. About 200,000 Songkran revelers were estimated to visit the area yesterday and last night, which was the last day of the Songkran celebrations there. According to city officials, a total of 116 tonnes of garbage were collected from Khao San and its vicinity for the first three days from April 12. The amount of garbage left behind by the revellers last night was not estimated yet. For Silom road, about 33 tonnes of garbage were collected on April 13-14. The number of revellers there was estimated at about 58,000 and 79,000 respectively. TOP: Khao San Road on the morning after the last day of Songkran festival Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-17 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 17 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325106-thailand-live-wednesday-17-april-2024/

Bangkok Launches Major Pavement Renovation Project BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a pilot project to refurbish the city’s pavements, covering a combined length of 86 kilometers across 16 roads. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325078-bangkok-launches-major-pavement-renovation-project/

Deputy National Police chief Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn sounds surprisingly cheerful given that his high-flying career has just plunged into another crisis. Surachate Hakparn: The rollercoaster career of Thailand’s most famous policeman Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325073-surachate-hakparn-the-rollercoaster-career-of-thailand’s-most-famous-policeman/

Tourism sector divided over elected versus appointed provincial governors by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Evan Krause, Unsplash The debate over elected provincial governors versus appointed heads is intensifying, revealing a divide among tourism operators. This issue gained momentum during last year’s general election, when several political parties, including Pheu Thai, proposed allowing locals to elect their governors, a practice already in place in Bangkok and Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325054-tourism-sector-divided-over-elected-versus-appointed-provincial-governors/

The debate over elected provincial governors versus appointed heads is intensifying, revealing a divide among tourism operators. This issue gained momentum during last year’s general election, when several political parties, including Pheu Thai, proposed allowing locals to elect their governors, a practice already in place in Bangkok and Pattaya. Pheu Thai’s coalition government, during its policy announcement, introduced a CEO-governor model aiming to give provincial governors the same authority as a company CEO. This call for elected governors grew louder on social media last week. Communities in Chiang Mai, frustrated with the handling of hazardous smog levels by appointed governors, led the charge. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, voiced his support for elected governors. He argued that provincial governors should have a more significant role in local economies, especially tourism, and in addressing tourist safety issues. According to Sisdivachr, the current system of appointed governors, who are rotated to different provinces by the central government, leads to inconsistent policies and hindered development. “Elected governors won’t be afraid to get their hands dirty if they know constituents gave them the authority, unlike appointed governors who still have to consider their career path,” he said. However, not all share this viewpoint. La-iad Bungsrithong, a board advisor for the Thai Hotels Association’s northern chapter, believes that appointed governors can still play a crucial role, forming a direct connection with the national government and balancing local administrative power, reported Bangkok Post. La-iad voiced concerns about the potential lack of suitable local candidates in some provinces. She argued that maintaining strong connections with the central government is crucial for provinces. With municipal mayors and provincial administrative organisation (PAO) presidents already elected by locals, she suggests that “it might be better to have one appointed governor who can directly connect with the central administration.” by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Evan Krause, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Procession brawl in Chiang Mai leads to hefty 75,000 baht fines by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of chiangmainews Chaos erupted during a traditional procession in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, when a violent brawl broke out among participants, undeterred by the potential for a hefty fine of 75,000 baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325051-procession-brawl-in-chiang-mai-leads-to-hefty-75000-baht-fines/

Chaos erupted during a traditional procession in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, when a violent brawl broke out among participants, undeterred by the potential for a hefty fine of 75,000 baht. The incident took place yesterday, April 15, as 19 groups paraded the sacred Bo tree supports into Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong amid loud music and a large crowd. The clash is believed to have started over a simple misstep during a dance, leading to a chase across the street and causing alarm among onlookers. Before the procession, community youth groups and the Chom Thong Subdistrict Municipality held a meeting to discuss the event’s organisation and emphasise the importance of maintaining peace. The resolution set hefty penalties for any form of violence, with fines of 75,000 baht (US$2,000) and the promise of a 5,000 baht (US$135) reward for video evidence submitted after case closure. Additionally, all musical bands were required to install CCTV for security purposes. Warning signs were also displayed. “If you don’t have money, don’t act tough!! No weapons allowed or face a 75,000 baht fine breaking down the allocation of the fine among various stakeholders, including the videographers of any incident.” The altercation disrupted the otherwise festive atmosphere of the procession, which resumed shortly after the incident with no reported injuries, reported KhaoSod. In related news, residents in a Chon Buri community acted swiftly to detain a heavily intoxicated man who, after becoming agitated during a Songkran celebration, returned home to fetch a gun and threaten his companions. The incident, which took place on April 13 at around 5.30pm, saw local law enforcement led by Police Colonel Navin Sinthurat, the superintendent of Bang Lamung Police Station, along with his deputies, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suphawat Lattapreecha and Police Lieutenant Colonel Suchat Dusadee, responding to a radio centre alert during a routine patrol for the festive period. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of chiangmainews Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai lottery fever spikes as lucky numbers circulate ahead of April draw by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod The excitement is palpable as the Thai lottery draw for April 16, approaches, with lottery enthusiasts eagerly seeking out lucky numbers in anticipation of becoming the next millionaire. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325050-thai-lottery-fever-spikes-as-lucky-numbers-circulate-ahead-of-april-draw/