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4-day Songkran festival brought 500m Baht to Khaosan Road The 4-day festival, which is held from April 12 to 15, injected around 500m to 600m baht into circulation for businesses on Khaosan Road, according to Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khaosan Road Business Association. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325015-4-day-songkran-festival-brought-500m-baht-to-khaosan-road/

The 4-day festival, which is held from April 12 to 15, injected around 500m to 600m baht into circulation for businesses on Khaosan Road, according to Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khaosan Road Business Association. He said that this year’s revenue growth can be attributed to an increase in the number of international tourists and the fact that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) organised events in both on Khaosan Road and Sanam Luang. On Khaosan Road alone, there were 600 street vendors throughout the festival and the total number of visitors is estimated at 400,000 for the 4-day period, according to Sanga. Thousands of revellers on Khaosan Road and the surrounding areas send off the last night of Songkran festival with water fights, music and dancing. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Airways adjusts Europe flights amid Iran-Israel tension by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Bing Hui Yau FROM:Unsplash.com Thai Airways International has realigned its Europe-bound flights to circumvent the Middle East following Iran’s onslaught on Israel. Concurrently, the Foreign Ministry has reported no immediate repercussions on Thai nationals in Iran and Israel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325014-thai-airways-adjusts-europe-flights-amid-iran-israel-tension/

Thai Airways International has realigned its Europe-bound flights to circumvent the Middle East following Iran’s onslaught on Israel. Concurrently, the Foreign Ministry has reported no immediate repercussions on Thai nationals in Iran and Israel. Thai Airways International President Chai Eamsiri yesterday confirmed that the airline has made minor alterations to some flight paths to evade the Middle East airspace. However, he assured me that the overall service remains unaffected. Thai Airways Chief Commercial Officer Korakot Chatasingha stated that passengers who had reserved flights via the Middle East had not withdrawn their bookings. He added that the airline is keeping a close watch on the situation. “Flights destined for Europe typically traverse the airspace of the Middle East. Currently, Thai Airways International is utilising alternative routes that bypass Iranian airspace, ensuring no disruption to our service.” In addition, the Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Thai citizens against travelling to Iran and Israel. They cited reports from the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, which stated that numerous drones and missiles were launched towards Israel from various directions. It was also reported that Israel was taking defensive measures against these attacks. The ministry stated that Israel had imposed a nationwide restriction on gatherings from 11pm on Saturday to 11pm on Monday. Approximately 28,000 Thais reside in Israel, with another 300 in Iran. The Thai embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are in touch with Thai communities in these countries. So far, no reports have been received about Thai citizens being affected by the Iran-Israel conflict, according to the Foreign Ministry. Meanwhile, due to the volatile gold price fluctuations in international markets amidst the tensions, Thai gold trader Hua Seng Heng suspended trading via its applications yesterday. The company announced that it would recommence its app-based gold trading on Monday, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Bing Hui Yau FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Another 38 people were killed and 311 others were injured in 317 road accidents on Sunday, bringing total death toll for four days since April 11th to 162. Altogether 1,279 people were injured. Bangkok and Roi-et recorded the most fatalities, at 10 each, while Nakhon Si Thammarat has the most road accidents and injuries, at 50 and 54 respectively. Speeding accounted for 37.22% of road accidents yesterday, drunk driving, 25.87% and poor visibility, 15.46%. Motorcycles were involved in 87.51% of the road accidents. Meanwhile, 2,136 traffic violators were put on probation by the courts yesterday, most of them found guilty of drunk driving. In the past four days, 3,890 people have been put on probation, about 96% of them were found guilty of drunk driving. Bangkok has the most cases of drunk driving, at 399, followed by 227 cases in Nonthaburi and 214 cases in Samut Prakan. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreign tourist drowns trying to retrieve water gun from Bangkok canal PHOTO: KomchadLuek A foreign tourist has died after drowning in a Bangkok canal while celebrating Songkran. Nation Thailand reports that the tourist’s body was recovered from the Saen Saep canal, by the Khlong Saen Saep Pier, under the Chalerm Lok Bridge. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324997-foreign-tourist-drowns-trying-to-retrieve-water-gun-from-bangkok-canal/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 16 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325012-thailand-live-tuesday-16-april-2024/

Sudden scaffolding collapse prompts investigation on Rama II Road PHOTO VIA:Wikepedia A sudden scaffolding collapse on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province prompted an immediate investigation, as ordered by Department of Highways Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324999-sudden-scaffolding-collapse-prompts-investigation-on-rama-ii-road/

Another 38 people were killed and 311 others were injured in 317 road accidents on Sunday, bringing total death toll for four days since April 11th to 162. Altogether 1,279 people were injured. 162 people killed, 1,279 injured in road accidents in past four days Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325013-162-people-killed-1279-injured-in-road-accidents-in-past-four-days/

Thailand aims to transform local festivals into renowned attractions by Alex Morgan PHOTO VIA:John Thomas FROM:Unsplash.com The National Soft Power Strategy Committee of Thailand is setting its sights on transforming traditional events into world-renowned festivals throughout the country’s 77 provinces. This objective will be achieved through comprehensive research and festival organisation training. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324978-thailand-aims-to-transform-local-festivals-into-renowned-attractions/

The National Soft Power Strategy Committee of Thailand is setting its sights on transforming traditional events into world-renowned festivals throughout the country’s 77 provinces. This objective will be achieved through comprehensive research and festival organisation training. The committee’s vice president, Dr Surapong Suebwonglee, highlighted the need to better manage the country’s numerous attractions. He opined that the country’s festivals, if harnessed effectively, could significantly boost the tourism sector. This could be especially true for annual flagship festivals, which are capable of consistently attracting a substantial number of tourists. Focusing on the government’s flagship policy of soft power, Dr Surapong drew parallels with South Korea’s successful utilisation of cultural products to escape the middle-income trap. He asserted that Thailand has the potential to follow a similar trajectory. According to Dr Surapong, events such as Songkran and Loy Krathong need to be elevated to world-class festivals. To achieve this, he suggested more research and training of personnel, in coordination with academies across all provinces. Soft power committee He also proposed that each province should establish its own soft power committee. These committees would be responsible for creating unique city festivals, setting them apart from others. Initial projects could be launched in provinces that already have sufficient infrastructure, manpower, and assets, with Nakhon Ratchasima being a prime candidate due to its established local soft power committee. Dr Surapong emphasised the central role of the private sector in leading most festivals, with the government functioning as a facilitator and securing momentum from investors. A draft of the Thailand Creative Content Agency (THACCA) Act is currently open for public opinion until the end of April. This legislation aims to establish a one-stop service agency for promoting festivals and ten other soft power industries. The draft is scheduled for submission to the Cabinet for legislation preparation by mid-next year. In anticipation of the THACCA Act, the fiscal budget related to soft power promotion would be distributed through various bodies such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), or the Culture Ministry. TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya identified five potential sectors for festival organisation in Thailand: art and culture, creative and lifestyle, entertainment, sports, and innovation. He revealed that TCEB plans to support more than 30 large events and festivals in fiscal 2024, which are expected to attract around 2.3 million visitors and generate over 3.6 billion baht. Among the notable events lined up are the Money 20/20 Expo in Bangkok in April, the Mango Art Festival in Bangkok in May, and the Isan Creative Festival in Khon Kaen, scheduled to take place from June 29 to July 7, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan PHOTO VIA:John Thomas FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Severe weather alert for 36 Thai provinces amid heatwave by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA:NOAA FROM:Unsplash.com The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a severe weather warning for 36 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hailstorms across the regions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324976-severe-weather-alert-for-36-thai-provinces-amid-heatwave/

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) today issued a severe weather warning for 36 provinces, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hailstorms across the regions. This alert comes amid a period of intense heat enveloping the country, with scorching temperatures and sporadic thunderstorms expected throughout the day. As of 6am, today, April 15, the low-pressure system caused by the prevailing heat has covered upper Thailand, leading to sweltering conditions and the risk of sudden thunderstorms. The public is advised to take precautions to protect their health from the extreme heat, including avoiding prolonged outdoor activities. In the lower northeastern, central, and eastern regions, moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and the South China Sea have intensified the weather conditions. Combined with the westerly and southerly wind flows that cover the north, upper northeastern, and upper central areas, this has resulted in thunderstorms accompanied by strong gusts and possible hail in certain locations. Citizens in these areas are cautioned to stay vigilant against the dangers posed by these severe weather conditions. Additionally, the easterly and southeasterly winds have enveloped the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea, leading to scattered thunderstorms in the south. Meanwhile, dust particles and smoke haze have reached moderate to quite high levels in the north, upper northeastern, and upper central parts of the country due to weak wind flows and poor air circulation in these areas. Regional Insights For the next 24-hour forecast starting today at 6am, the northern region is expected to experience hot to very hot weather, with isolated thundershowers affecting 30% of the area, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. The lowest temperatures will range from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius, with highs between 35 to 42 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds travelling at 5–15 km/h. The northeastern region is also set for hot to very hot conditions, with 20% of its area likely to have thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail, especially in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Temperatures will fall between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius at their lowest and reach highs of 38 to 41 degrees Celsius. The central region will similarly endure hot to very hot weather with a 20% chance of thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail, mainly affecting Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. The lowest temperatures will be 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, with highs of 39 to 41 degrees Celsius. In the eastern region, general hot weather is forecasted, with occasional severe heat and a 10% chance of thunderstorms in Nakhon Nayok, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The mercury will dip to 26 to 29 degrees Celsius at its lowest and climb to highs of 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. For the southern region on the east coast, daytime heat will be accompanied by very hot spells in some areas and a 10% likelihood of thunderstorms in Phetchaburi, Pattalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Minimum temperatures will range from 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures hitting 33 to 40 degrees Celsius. The west coast of the southern region will experience hot daytime weather with slight thunderstorms in some lower part areas. The lowest temperatures will be between 24 to 28 degrees Celsius, and the highs will range from 36 to 39 degrees Celsius. Bangkok and its vicinity can expect generally hot weather, with some very hot areas and occasional thundershowers. Minimum temperatures in the capital will be between 28 to 30 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching 35 to 40 degrees Celsius, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA:NOAA FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Voluntary enlistment in Thai army sees notable increase by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Jungwoo Hong FROM:Unsplash.com An increase in voluntary enlistment for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) was announced yesterday by an assistant army spokesperson. Compared to last year’s enlistment season, there is a notable rise in the number of males opting to join the ranks voluntarily. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324974-voluntary-enlistment-in-thai-army-sees-notable-increase/

An increase in voluntary enlistment for the Royal Thai Army (RTA) was announced yesterday by an assistant army spokesperson. Compared to last year’s enlistment season, there is a notable rise in the number of males opting to join the ranks voluntarily. Assistant Army spokesperson, Captain Juthapat Prembanyat noted that from April 1 to 12 this year, 38,160 males across Thailand volunteered for the RTA. This figure marks an increase of 2,543 individuals from last year’s count of 35,617 volunteers. In terms of enlistment methods, 24,025 individuals chose to enlist at designated venues close to their registered residences, while the remaining 14,135 enlisted via online platforms. Five conscription venues in particular, Chon Buri’s Koh Si Chang district, Songkhla’s Na Thawi district, Nakhon Pathom’s Bang Len district, Nonthaburi’s Pak Kret district, and Bangkok’s Bang Khae district, reached their full quota for voluntary enlistment. The RTA has interpreted the increase in voluntary enlistment as a success, aligning with the government and defence ministry’s policy to encourage voluntary enlistment. Capt. Juthapat further noted that the RTA views the rise in the number of voluntary conscripts as a tangible success, which aligns with the government and defence ministry’s policy to boost the number of conscripts in the voluntary system or eventually completely switch to a voluntary enlistment system in the future. The shift towards a voluntary enlistment system is viewed as an important step in modernising the RTA, and this year’s increase in voluntary enlistment is a promising sign of progress towards this goal,reported Bangkok Post. In related news, an army private drowned in a reservoir during Songkran festivities. The tragedy struck a family during the joyous period of Songkran as a 22 year old army private who was returning home for the festivities drowned in a reservoir in Nakhon Ratchasima, he was enjoying his time at the water’s edge with his girlfriend and her family. The jovial atmosphere turned sombre when he, complaining of the heat, plunged into the water to swim across the roughly 400-metre-wide reservoir. by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Jungwoo Hong FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Water gun incident sparks foreign tourist dispute at Songkran event by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News The lively Thaweewong Road, on Patong Beach in Phuket, bore witness to a heated dispute between two foreign visitors at a Songkran event. This incident, occurring around 4.20pm on April 13, was sparked by a minor altercation involving a water gun. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324942-songkran-water-splashing-causes-viral-fight-in-phuket/?do=findComment&comment=18843994

Water gun incident sparks foreign tourist dispute at Songkran event by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News The lively Thaweewong Road, on Patong Beach in Phuket, bore witness to a heated dispute between two foreign visitors at a Songkran event. This incident, occurring around 4.20pm on April 13, was sparked by a minor altercation involving a water gun. The Songkran event is renowned for its playful water fights, which are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Despite the jovial atmosphere, tensions flared when a foreigner, wearing no shirt but riding a motorbike taxi, became upset after another foreigner sprayed water on him. The eyewitness, Nopparat Yiwa, a Civil Defense Volunteer, recounted the event to local media outlets in Phuket. According to his account, the shirtless man was not the initial target of the water gun. Instead, the water was sprayed on the motorbike taxi rider. This, however, did not prevent the shirtless man from taking offence, leading him to retaliate physically against the perpetrator, who was clad in a black shirt. Nopparat further detailed that his companion had tried to intervene and defuse the situation but to no avail. The escalating conflict eventually drew the attention of the Patong police officers, who were successful in calming the situation and separating the two men. The water gun incident was seemingly trivial, yet it spurred a reaction of high intensity from the shirtless foreigner. Despite the altercation, the police have considered the incident closed, as neither man involved has pursued legal action or filed police reports. The viral video of the dispute circulated widely on Thai social media, serves as a reminder of the potential for tension amidst the otherwise jovial Songkran festivities on Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, a popular destination for both Thai and foreign visitors, reported Pattaya News. In related news, Thai netizens condemned two foreign men for spray-painting graffiti on a footpath and several spots in the Patong neighbourhood of Phuket. The Facebook page, โหดจัง จังหวัดภูเก็ต (meaning so brutal, Phuket province), shared the 13-minute video of the two foreign vandals on March 23. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

April alcohol sales set to double, spiking road accidents feared by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of CNN The CEO of Carabao Group, Sathien Sathientham, predicts that April’s alcohol sales are set to double, except for December. This increase is anticipated due to the prolonged Songkran festival and the extension of bar and pub opening hours in several areas, including Bangkok and Phuket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324969-april-alcohol-sales-set-to-double-spiking-road-accidents-feared/

The CEO of Carabao Group, Sathien Sathientham, predicts that April’s alcohol sales are set to double, except for December. This increase is anticipated due to the prolonged Songkran festival and the extension of bar and pub opening hours in several areas, including Bangkok and Phuket. Nuttapong Boontob, a board member and assistant secretary of the ThaiRoads Foundation, expressed concerns about a potential rise in road accidents as life returns to normal post-pandemic. He highlighted that road accidents tend to surge during the new year and Songkran festivals. During the notorious “seven dangerous days” of Songkran, from April 11-17, authorities will be closely monitoring road accidents. In the same period in 2023, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported 2,203 road accidents, resulting in 264 deaths and 2,208 injuries. This was a decrease of 38% from 2019, but a 15% rise from 2020. The ThaiRoads Foundation identified speeding (38%), drink-driving (24%), and reckless driving (18%) as the main causes of these accidents. However, pre-pandemic data from 2019 showed drink-driving as the primary cause of road accidents (37%), followed by speeding (28%). Boontob predicts that drink-driving-related accidents will increase during this year’s Songkran festival due to the government’s plans to extend the festival to stimulate tourism and the economy. He added that last December’s extension of pub and bar opening hours to 4am in select areas could also contribute to this increase. While acknowledging the government’s economic initiatives, Boontob emphasised the economic losses due to road accidents, which he described as “a loss to the economy.” A 2021 study by the Thailand Development Research Institute estimated that road accidents caused an economic loss of over 642 billion baht in 2019, with 19,904 fatalities. Boontob pointed out the lack of awareness among Thais about alcohol’s effects, particularly impaired decision-making while driving. He called for stricter law enforcement and increased security checkpoints during the festival to prevent accidents. Boontob stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, calling on the government, civil society, and private sector to play their part in reducing deaths and injuries, reported Bangkok Post. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of CNN Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UNESCO-recognised Songkran festival goes global by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand Thailand’s Songkran Thai New Year celebrations have gathered international attention, with 35 foreign embassies collaborating with the Thai government to promote the festival worldwide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324968-unesco-recognised-songkran-festival-goes-global/

Thailand’s Songkran Thai New Year celebrations have gathered international attention, with 35 foreign embassies collaborating with the Thai government to promote the festival worldwide. This initiative comes after UNESCO recognised the festival as an intangible cultural heritage in December of last year. Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich revealed that the embassies have produced a series of short videos wishing Thais a happy traditional New Year. “These clips are being shared on the Ministry of Culture’s social media platforms, giving the world a glimpse of Songkran and its cultural significance to Thailand.” The embassies involved in this project include Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, the United Arab Emirates, the US and the European Union. This year’s Songkran festival has noted an impressive increase in the number of international tourists, particularly flocking to Bangkok, according to Somboon Homnan, chief of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) operation centre. In light of several issues observed on the first day of the festival, the BMA increased the number of police and municipal officials at Silom and Khao San roads, the city’s two most frequented water festival sites, on the second day. Traffic on Silom Road was restricted, with one lane reserved for emergency use from midday until 8pm. Despite the festive atmosphere, Somboon reported 11 instances of pickpocketing on the first day of the celebration and urged festival-goers to stay vigilant. To manage the crowd and ensure safety, more than 3,000 police and security officers were deployed at Khao San Road on the second day of the festival, reported Bangkok Post. In addition, vendors at both Silom and Khao San Road were instructed to operate from the alleys rather than the pavement, following complaints of congestion on the first day of the festival, added Somboon. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Charges laid against fraudulent immigration agent in Thailand Charges have been laid against two visa agents in Thailand after Immigration New Zealand identified they were providing fake documents for visitor visa applicants. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324967-charges-laid-against-fraudulent-immigration-agent-in-thailand/

Charges have been laid against two visa agents in Thailand after Immigration New Zealand identified they were providing fake documents for visitor visa applicants. A Thai company had been issuing false bank statements and employment letters for visitor visa applicants. Their primary focus was on rural workers and Two Thai women which also advertised fake flight tickets on their Facebook page. INZ identified that there were more than 100 cases where visitors were intending to come to New Zealand and potentially work illegally in the horticulture and viticulture sectors. Follow the execution of a warrant search by the Royal Thai Police, one woman made a full confession on video including demonstrating how they fraudulently altered documents. The Royal Thai Police found evidence of a “large number” of fraudulent applications to Australia, the UK, and South Korea. The agent was charging THB 25,000 (NZ$1,140) for the fraudulent evidence, with no refund if they were declined. The initial charges against one of the women and one of his employees were for fraudulent use of a computer. Geoff Scott, National Manager for Risk and Verification, said this is a great example of international cooperation in the fight against people smuggling and visa fraud. “This operation has assisted both New Zealand and Thailand in combating potential migrant exploitation, which could have occurred had these people travelled to New Zealand to work illegally. “This helps set an example to other visa agents who believe they can get away with not following the rules and operating with impunity and anonymity,” Scott said. “We can find out who they are and, working with law enforcement in New Zealand and internationally, ensure they face appropriate consequences.” Source: NZ Immigration 2024-04-15

Three Thai provinces suffer PM2.5 levels, most enjoy good air by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thairath As of this morning, only three provinces in northern and northeastern Thailand experienced seriously harmful levels of PM2.5 pollution, while the majority of the country enjoyed good air quality. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324966-three-thai-provinces-suffer-pm25-levels-most-enjoy-good-air/

As of this morning, only three provinces in northern and northeastern Thailand experienced seriously harmful levels of PM2.5 pollution, while the majority of the country enjoyed good air quality. Data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) disclosed that Mae Hong Son, a province in the north, recorded a red level of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diametre (PM2.5) at 96.5 micrograms per cubic metre of air over the past 24 hours. This far exceeds the safe threshold, which is set at 37.5µg/m³. Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan, both in the northeast, were the other two provinces suffering from harmful smog levels, registering 94.2µg/m³ and 76.2µg/m³ of PM2.5 respectively. Additionally, 29 other provinces, primarily in the north and northeast, detected orange levels of PM2.5, indicating initial unsafe conditions. These provinces, ranked in descending order of PM2.5 measurements, include Chiang Mai, Amnat Charoen, Nan, Lamphun, Ubon Ratchathani, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Lampang, Kalasin, Yasothon, Phrae, Uttaradit, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Phayao, Chiang Rai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Tak, Loei, Roi Et, Sukhothai, Si Sa Ket, Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Surin, and Chaiyaphum. The PM2.5 levels in these areas ranged from 39.1 to 74.1µg/m³. Meanwhile, provinces in the lower central plain, the east, and the south reported moderate to good air quality. The eastern provinces of Chon Buri and Rayong showcased the best air conditions, recording the lowest PM2.5 levels at 19.6µg/m³, closely followed by Samut Prakan at 20.0µg/m³, reported Bangkok Post. GISTDA’s map underscores that most parts of Thailand experienced good air quality this morning. In related news, a surge in smog levels was experienced on April 3, with PM2.5 dust readings surpassing 200 microgrammes per cubic metre of air in three northern provinces, including Chiang Mai. GISTDA disclosed at 9am that 20 provinces registered red (significantly harmful) levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and below in diameter (PM2.5). by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thairath Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe