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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

Songkran festival sees 1% rise in public transport usage in Thailand by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Chiang Mai News Public transport usage during this year’s Songkran festival experienced a 1% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, with around 5.6 million travellers across Thailand, as reported by the Transport Ministry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324965-songkran-festival-sees-1-rise-in-public-transport-usage-in-thailand/

Public transport usage during this year’s Songkran festival experienced a 1% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, with around 5.6 million travellers across Thailand, as reported by the Transport Ministry. The minister, Suriya Juengrungreangkit, reassured that the public transport networks were effectively managing the increased number of passengers and vehicles on the country’s main transportation routes. Figures from the festivals on March 11 and March 12 totalled approximately 5.63 million travellers, demonstrating an increase of 0.99% from the previous year’s equivalent period. Amongst all methods of transportation, rail was the most popular, comprising 45.4% of total users. Meanwhile, the central region recorded the highest number of air travellers, with a total of 91,442 flights. Land transport proved most popular in other regions, in particular, the south with 69,534 commuters, the northeast with 80,679, the north with 49,728, and the east with 40,671. In terms of cumulative inbound and outbound traffic, the 10 main highways in Bangkok saw a total of 2.21 million vehicles, marking a 4.71% increase from the previous year. However, there was a decline of 4.62% in the city’s motorways, with 2.98 million vehicles reported. The Land Transport Department has instructed its provincial offices across the country to ensure an adequate supply of public buses and to establish complaint centres. Minister Suriya highlighted that the readiness of buses and the timeliness of drivers are being evaluated at 221 nationwide checkpoints, which include bus terminals and rest areas. As of April 12, the majority of commuters at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal had travelled to nearby destinations, such as Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri. The minister also mentioned the introduction of four additional train routes to serve the northern and northeastern routes. Furthermore, extra carriages were arranged to accommodate the anticipated 100,000 daily passengers, reported Bangkok Post. The Marine Department has also increased its safety measures by monitoring various piers through CCTV camera systems. Additional staff were assigned to the piers along the Chao Phraya River and Saen Saep Canal during the holiday period. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Chiang Mai News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Songkran celebration turns tragic as stray bullet hits elderly man by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A celebration of Songkran took an alarming turn in Chachoengsao province when a stray bullet pierced through the ceiling and struck a 70 year old diabetic man, Somyot, who had previously lost a leg to his illness. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324963-songkran-celebration-turns-tragic-as-stray-bullet-hits-elderly-man/

A celebration of Songkran took an alarming turn in Chachoengsao province when a stray bullet pierced through the ceiling and struck a 70 year old diabetic man, Somyot, who had previously lost a leg to his illness. The incident, which occurred at 9pm yesterday, April 13, is currently under police investigation as they search for the shooter. Somyot was lying in bed when the bullet hit him under the chin and lodged in the back of his head, causing a serious injury. Residents in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots during the evening. The elderly man was alone in his rented room when the bullet struck. Somyot’s landlady discovered him after hearing his calls for help and found him bleeding profusely. Initially, Somyot believed he had been shot in the back of the head, but it was later revealed that the bullet entered underneath his chin. His family quickly provided first aid and transported him to Phutthasothon Hospital. Police arrived at the scene to gather evidence and found a damaged hot water flask hit by a bullet, but no bullet holes in the ceiling, suggesting the shot came through the ventilation. The head village chief later stated that the bullet had been successfully removed and Somyot’s condition was stable, reported KhaoSod. The area where the incident occurred was a popular spot for Songkran water play, yet by the time police arrived, the gunman was no longer present. Investigators are waiting to establish the identity of the gunman and the circumstances behind the incident. In related news, a teenager in Prachin Buri was shot three times after driving past a group of youths. The injured teenager was immediately transported to the hospital as the police launched a hunt for the gunman. The incident took place near a curve leading into a residential community, in front of a local disaster rescue station. The police are also investigating the CCTV footage for further leads on the case. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Flights to Israel Return to Bangkok Amid Airspace Closure by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Immigration authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport responded to an unexpected turn of events when two Israel-bound flights were forced to return to Thailand early Sunday morning (Apr 14). The closures of airspace over Iraq, Israel, and Jordan, triggered by escalating military actions in the region, led to the diversion of the flights. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324962-flights-to-israel-return-to-bangkok-amid-airspace-closure/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Immigration authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport responded to an unexpected turn of events when two Israel-bound flights were forced to return to Thailand early Sunday morning (Apr 14). The closures of airspace over Iraq, Israel, and Jordan, triggered by escalating military actions in the region, led to the diversion of the flights. El Al Israel Airlines flight LY82 from Suvarnabhumi to Tel Aviv and flight LY88 from Phuket to Tel Aviv, carrying 275 and 290 passengers, landed back in Bangkok at 5.20 a.m. and 5.50 a.m., respectively. Pol Maj Gen Choengron Rimpadee, the airport's immigration police commander, said under normal circumstances, passengers would be required to remain within the airport premises due to their passports already being stamped for departure. However, in light of the circumstances and considering the needs of the elderly and small children, the Immigration Bureau has decided to allow these individuals to stay at nearby accommodations arranged and supervised by the airlines. Passengers have also been given the option to remain at the airport if they prefer to keep their passports and avoid the hassle of undergoing the immigration process again once new flights are scheduled. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Reports Total of 116 Deaths in Three Days of the ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ By Goongnang Suksawat Thailand – A total of 936 road accidents, with 968 injuries and 116 deaths, were reported on Sunday (April 14th) by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in three days (April 11th -April 13th) of the ‘Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ during Songkran (April 11th – April 17th) 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324960-thailand-reports-total-of-116-deaths-in-3-days-of-the-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign/

Thailand – A total of 936 road accidents, with 968 injuries and 116 deaths, were reported on Sunday (April 14th) by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in three days (April 11th -April 13th) of the ‘Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ during Songkran (April 11th – April 17th) 2024. The province with the total highest fatalities was Bangkok with 8 deaths. The total highest number of accidents were Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla with 39 each and the highest number of injuries was in Songkhla with 45 injuries. There were 48 deaths, 392 road accidents and 411 injuries in total reported on the third day (April 13th) of the campaign. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 15 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324953-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-15-april-2024/

The minister of Industry has addressed concerns over the relocation of cadmium waste found in Samut Sakhon, saying it would be returned to Tak Province. A plan by the owning company Bound & Beyond, has agreed to send 30 trucks to complete the move by the end of the day tomorrow. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawat appeared in front of hundreds of people in Chiang Mai last night to celebrate Songkran, He was cheered and stopped for photo opportunities with locals and tourists. Locally Prime minister Thavasin and his wife continued their visit to Hua hin Market yesterday morning, Food vendors were told that local businesses would improve next year as the government will introduce activities and incentives to attract more tourists. Thai Airways international has issued a statement to say flights to Europe have been diverted to avoid the Middle east. Thai along with all other airlines that usually fly over Iran and other middle eastern countries have re-routed flights to avoid the region causing minimal disruption to regular services. Around the region Malaysian police yesterday launched a hunt for a man suspected of trying to murder his wife at Kuala Lumpur Airport. Two Shots were fired at his wife, One bullet struck her personal bodyguard in the abdomen and the other missed her. The bodyguard was in critical condition. The 38 year old shooter fled and was believed to have headed towards the border with Thailand. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny then.. cloudy with some thunder showers 38C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 36C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, 35 C AQI yellow, moderate Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-15 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Scammer’s plan to use SpaceX Starlink satellites in transnational scam network targeting Thailand by James Morris and Son Nguyen Police Lieutenant General Jiraphat Phuridet briefing the media on Friday, April 12th, on the haul discovered by police. Valued at ฿5.4 million, it appeared to be a call centre operation on the move out of Myanmar to Laos within the Golden Triangle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324950-scammer’s-plan-to-use-starlink-satellites-in-transnational-scam-network-targeting-thailand/

Police Lieutenant General Jiraphat Phuridet briefing the media on Friday, April 12th, on the haul discovered by police. Valued at ฿5.4 million, it appeared to be a call centre operation on the move out of Myanmar to Laos within the Golden Triangle. Thai police disrupt a transnational scam network using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite, targeting Thailand with high-tech operations spanning across Asia and other parts of the world. Thai police, on Friday, revealed that they have disrupted a call scammer gang that planned to use Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite network to link it with telecommunications networks across the world including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Asia. Starlink is a commercial satellite firm operated by Musk’s SpaceX. Police are still studying the find of hardware and data destined for the Golden Triangle area in Laos via Chiang Rai. However, they believe it was Chinese-controlled and in transit from war-torn Myanmar. It was staffed by Burmese, Thai, Lao and Chinese personnel. The find comes after a December 2023 report across Asia showed that Thai people are the most susceptible population to online scams. Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has made a breakthrough discovery into the operations of scammers network on the country’s borders. The discovery occurred after a parcel was posted from the United Kingdom to an address in Chiang Mai. It indicated that an extensive international scammer organisation may be on the move. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Top Regional Police Inspect Pattaya Area Police Checkpoints for Songkran By Adam Judd Banglamung, Pattaya – In a concerted effort to ensure public safety during the Songkran Festival, Police Major General Surajit Chingnawan, also known as “Burapha 3,” Deputy Commander of Police Region 2, visited several police stations in the Chonburi area to oversee the implementation of strict traffic policies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324949-top-regional-police-inspect-pattaya-area-police-checkpoints-for-songkran/

Banglamung, Pattaya – In a concerted effort to ensure public safety during the Songkran Festival, Police Major General Surajit Chingnawan, also known as “Burapha 3,” Deputy Commander of Police Region 2, visited several police stations in the Chonburi area to oversee the implementation of strict traffic policies. The visit on the afternoon of April 14th was part of a broader initiative to enforce road safety regulations at key tourist attractions during Thailand’s traditional New Year celebrations. Major General Chingnawan inspected traffic checkpoints at Banglamung, Nong Prue, Pattaya City, and Na Jomtien police stations, where he also took the opportunity to boost the morale of the officers on duty. In his address to the traffic police, Major General Chingnawan commended their dedication and outlined the enforcement of ten principal goals under the Traffic Act. The Royal Thai Police’s policy has been intensified to include offenses such as failure to wear a helmet, seatbelt violations, and drunk driving. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Others With a Gun in Pattaya During Songkran by Adam Judd Pattaya-As Thailand’s Songkran Festival continues, the nation was immersed in the vibrant celebration of this long-standing cultural tradition. This year marked a significant milestone as UNESCO had recognized “Songkran in Thailand” as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324948-thai-man-arrested-after-allegedly-threatening-others-with-a-gun-in-pattaya-during-songkran/

Pattaya-As Thailand’s Songkran Festival continues, the nation was immersed in the vibrant celebration of this long-standing cultural tradition. This year marked a significant milestone as UNESCO had recognized “Songkran in Thailand” as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Thai government, seizing the opportunity to showcase its “National Soft Power,” aimed to draw tourists worldwide to the festivities, resulting in the most lively Songkran atmosphere in five years, post-COVID, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. In the midst of the festivities, a concerning incident unfolded in the Banglamung District, Pattaya City. Citizens and tourists from various nationalities were reported to be enjoying the water festivities along roads and beaches across the city. To be fair, many local expats who aren’t fans of the festival or getting wet have been mostly staying at home. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe However, the celebratory mood was disrupted when a drunken altercation led to a potentially violent confrontation.

Two Suspects in Fatal Shooting of Bangkok Technical College Student Sentenced to 21 Years in Jail By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok— On April 13th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation team (IDMB) publicly revealed on social media a jurisdiction’s decision regarding a technical college shooting incident on January 14th, 2024, at Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324946-two-suspects-in-fatal-shooting-of-bangkok-technical-college-student-sentenced-to-21-years/