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Songkran expected to boost Thailand’s economy with billions by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Thairath The Songkran festival in Thailand this year is anticipated to bring between 140 and 200 billion baht into the country’s economy. The festival, which has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event by Unesco, is predicted to attract 10 million international visitors who will contribute 11.8 billion baht to the total spending. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324936-songkran-expected-to-boost-thailand’s-economy-with-billions/

Thailand sees 146% rise in foreign arrivals over same period last year About 10 million foreign tourists, including 1.9 million Chinese, visited Thailand between the beginning of this year and April 9th, a 146% increase from the same period last year, Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said today. He said that more tourists are expected to arrive during the long Songkran holiday, especially from Muslim countries following the end of the Ramadan. According to the Immigration Bureau, of the 10,168,745 foreign arrivals in Thailand by April 9th this year, 1,920,039 were Chinese, 1,274,528 Malaysian, 670,233 Russian, 595,705 South Korean and 519,878 were Indian. Chai attributed the increase to the government’s pre-travel visa free policy for a number nationalities and convenient immigration procedures. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

The Songkran festival in Thailand this year is anticipated to bring between 140 and 200 billion baht into the country’s economy. The festival, which has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event by Unesco, is predicted to attract 10 million international visitors who will contribute 11.8 billion baht to the total spending. In light of the festival’s recognition, the government, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, has extended the celebration to 21 days in a bid to stimulate tourism and economic spending. Despite these forecasts, Thanavath Phonvichai, advisory chairman of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s (UTCC) Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting, suggests that domestic spending growth may be slower. He indicated that while the Songkran holiday is predicted to stimulate economic growth by 2.9% with an estimated spending of 129 billion baht (US$3.5 billion) by Thais, the 2019 domestic spending record of 13.5 billion baht (US$368 million) is unlikely to be surpassed. Thanavath attributes this to the uneven economic growth across the country, particularly in the provincial areas, and the cautious spending habits of the Thai people. The projected circulation of 140 to 200 billion baht (US$3.8 and 5.5 billion), including the 11.8 billion baht (US$322 million) from international tourists, may not significantly alter these trends. Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke revealed data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Immigration Bureau, which showed a 146.21% increase in foreign visitor numbers from the same period last year, with 10.4 million visitors entering the country from January 1 to April 9. The majority of these tourists hail from China, Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India. The TAT expects that the spending of domestic and foreign tourists during the Songkran festival will generate at least 100 billion baht (US$ 2.7 billion) in revenue for the country. The Aeronautical Radio of Thailand also anticipates high traffic during the festival period, with an expected operation of 16,307 flights from April 11 to 17, reported Bangkok Post. Chai credits the influx of over 10 million tourists to the prime minister’s initiative of visa exemption measures and streamlined immigration processes. The government’s efforts to position the country as a global tourism hub are also said to contribute to the high tourist turnout. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Thairath Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Concerns raised over legality of govt’s digital wallet borrowing plan by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives’ (BAAC) labour union raised concerns about the government’s plans to borrow 172.3 billion baht (US$4.7 billion) from the bank to fund a digital wallet handout scheme. The union is questioning the legality of this plan and has sought guidance from the State Enterprise Policy Office, the Bank of Thailand, and the Council of State. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324935-concerns-raised-over-legality-of-govt’s-digital-wallet-borrowing-plan/

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives’ (BAAC) labour union raised concerns about the government’s plans to borrow 172.3 billion baht (US$4.7 billion) from the bank to fund a digital wallet handout scheme. The union is questioning the legality of this plan and has sought guidance from the State Enterprise Policy Office, the Bank of Thailand, and the Council of State. The union has called on the BAAC to communicate with the public and within the organisation to assure them that no action has been taken regarding the digital wallet scheme while they await feedback from the aforementioned agencies. They emphasised that the bank’s involvement in the scheme must comply with the law and align with the interests of its customers and the institution. This is not the first time the union has voiced its concerns. They previously opposed the bank’s decision to approve 50 billion baht (US$1.4 billion) to pay farmers who pledged their paddy under the financially challenged rice-pledging scheme in 2014. At that time, the government was a caretaker government and did not have full authority. However, with the Srettha government now in full authority, the union is seeking clarification on the legality of the borrowing plan for the digital wallet programme. Prime Minister Srettha has dismissed reports that the borrowing plan has led to a rush on the bank’s deposits. On the other hand, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expressed confidence in the government’s 500-billion-baht (US$14 billion) handout during his visit to his home province of Chiang Mai for the Songkran festival. Thaksin dismissed the criticism, stating that the country’s economy, though currently sluggish, is expected to improve after the digital wallet rollout. “Thailand’s growth is slower than that of other ASEAN countries because there isn’t enough money in the system. The government seeks to inject money to stimulate it.” Thaksin attributed the sluggish economy to the delayed approval of the annual budget and bureaucratic changes that slowed implementation, reported Bangkok Post. Thai Pakdee Party leader Warong Dechgitvigrom urged BAAC executives to stick to their principles. “The money must be used according to Section 9 of the BAAC Act to support farmers in their agricultural livelihoods. Distributing BAAC funds through the digital wallet project could violate the law.” by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Student’s fatal fall from condo stirs Pathum Thani community by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of SiamNews A 27 year old female student tragically fell to her death from the fifth floor of a condominium early today. The incident occurred in the Mueang Ake community in Pathum Thani, where police and rescue services were swiftly summoned to the scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324934-student’s-fatal-fall-from-condo-stirs-pathum-thani-community/

A 27 year old female student tragically fell to her death from the fifth floor of a condominium early today. The incident occurred in the Mueang Ake community in Pathum Thani, where police and rescue services were swiftly summoned to the scene. In the quiet pre-dawn hours of today, the serene atmosphere of a Pathum Thani condominium was shattered when a student plunged from a fifth-floor balcony. At 3.10am, the local police received a distress call reporting the fatal fall. Deputy Investigator Pisit Jongcharuwong of the Pak Klong Rangsit Police Station led the response team, which included forensic experts and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tueng Foundation. Upon arrival at the eight-story condominium complex, the emergency personnel discovered the victim, identified as a 27 year old woman, lying on her back on the ground-level parking deck. She was later identified as a visual arts student in her eighth year at a private university. Beside her lay her shocked and grieving friend, who had been asleep before being awoken by a scream and the harrowing discovery on the balcony. Initial inquiries revealed that a 24 year old witness, Supakit, heard a noise and, upon investigation, found the victim on the ground. The deceased, who had been studying for eight years, ordinarily shared her room with another female student. The roommate, unaware of the tragic event unfolding due to being asleep, was alerted only by the victim’s scream. Running to the balcony, she was met with the sight of her friend’s nightclothes on the ground below—a sight that confirmed her worst fears. Racing downstairs, she found her friend was already dead. Supakit indicated that both women had returned from a night out, entering their residence around 1am. Before her untimely death, the victim had expressed frustration over academic examinations that she had repeatedly failed, prolonging her studies to eight years. However, there was no indication that she intended self-harm. It is speculated that alcohol consumption may have contributed to the fatal misstep, reported Sanook. Deputy Investigator Pisit disclosed that the scene had been thoroughly documented and that CCTV footage would be reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. The victim’s body was transferred to the Forensic Science Institute under the Ministry of Justice, where it would await collection by relatives for religious rites. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of SiamNews Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai government prepares for potential Iran attack on Israel by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of bangkokbiznews The Thai government assured yesterday that contingency plans are in place to safeguard Thai nationals in Israel, should Iran follow through on its threat to attack. This follows the evacuation of approximately 8,000 Thai workers from Israel after the attack initiated by Hamas on October 7 last year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324933-thai-government-prepares-for-potential-iran-attack-on-israel/

The Thai government assured yesterday that contingency plans are in place to safeguard Thai nationals in Israel, should Iran follow through on its threat to attack. This follows the evacuation of approximately 8,000 Thai workers from Israel after the attack initiated by Hamas on October 7 last year. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin revealed that most workers have returned to Israel for work. “It’s the government’s duty to ensure their safety. While their return to Israel is by choice, it’s undeniable that the Thai economy fails to retain these workers.” Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke indicated that the government is closely following the situation in Israel and is ready to implement emergency security measures, should tensions between Iran and Israel intensify. Thai nationals residing in Israel are currently advised to maintain a high level of vigilance, avoid conflict zones, and reach out to the embassy for assistance if required. The 62 year old Thai prime minister further spoke about the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly after Israel reacted to Iran’s threatened attack. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will execute security measures for the safety of Thais if tensions continue to rise.” Meanwhile, in the US, President Joe Biden warned Tehran against any attack on Israel, expressing his expectation of an attack by Iran “sooner, rather than later.” He reinforced Washington’s commitment to defend Israel. “We are devoted to Israel’s defence. We will support and defend Israel, and Iran will not succeed.” On April 12, Israel prepared for a possible attack by Iran or its proxies, following warnings of retaliation for an attack on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus that killed a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ overseas Qods Force and six other officers. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the April 1 airstrike. However, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed that Israel “must be punished and shall be” for an operation he equated to an attack on Iranian soil. Iran attack President Biden, careful not to reveal secure information, reiterated his expectation of an imminent attack by Iran. He was speaking at the White House following a virtual speech to a civil rights conference. In response, the US deployed warships to protect Israel and American forces in the region, hoping to prevent a direct attack from Iran, which could occur as soon as this weekend, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on April 12. Countries including India, France, Poland, and Russia have warned their citizens against travelling to the already tense region, which has been affected by the war in Gaza for the past seven months. Germany urged its citizens to leave Iran on April 12, reported Bangkok Post. White House spokesman, John Kirby, confirmed the potential attack by Iran on Israel as a tangible threat, without providing any specifics on the timing. He mentioned that the US is reviewing its force posture in the region in light of Tehran’s threat and is closely monitoring the situation. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of bangkokbiznews Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man arrested in Thailand for assaulting teen during Songkran by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A 40 year old man was arrested yesterday for luring and assaulting a 16 year old girl in a harrowing Songkran holiday incident. Thai police apprehended the suspect, known as Arm Laisak, with an extensive criminal background, including prior offences related to drug trafficking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324932-man-arrested-in-thailand-for-assaulting-teen-during-songkran/

A 40 year old man was arrested yesterday for luring and assaulting a 16 year old girl in a harrowing Songkran holiday incident. Thai police apprehended the suspect, known as Arm Laisak, with an extensive criminal background, including prior offences related to drug trafficking. The arrest followed a mother’s desperate rescue of her daughter, who was found in a traumatised state after the attack. On the evening of April 13 last year, during Thailand’s New Year celebrations, the teenage victim was enticed by the suspect, a man she considered an uncle and a close friend of her father’s, with the promise of joining in the festivities. Instead, she was drugged and sexually assaulted until she lost consciousness. The victim’s ordeal began with a seemingly innocent invitation to play in the Songkran water festivities. However, the suspect, identified only by his first name, Somphop, allegedly took her to his house under the guise of having a drink before heading to the celebration. Once there, he incapacitated her with alcohol and committed the assault. The teen’s mother, upon receiving a distress call from her daughter, rushed to the scene. She found her daughter hiding in the bathroom, shaking uncontrollably and crying. The suspect had attempted to force entry into the bathroom, in a state of deranged persistence before the mother intervened, pushing him away and rescuing her daughter. Police, led by Major General Thitithorn Saengsuwan and his team, successfully executed the arrest in Phetchaburi province after obtaining an arrest warrant issued by Thonburi Criminal Court on July 11, 2023, for charges of sexual assault and abduction. The suspect’s capture was not without drama, as he initially refused to surrender until he realised escape was impossible due to the presence of police forces. Somphop’s criminal history includes several drug-related arrests dating back to 2004 in the Bang Khun Thian area, where he was apprehended with 190 methamphetamine pills, and again in 2006 in the Tha Kham area with 120 pills. In 2013, in the Sutthisan area, he was part of a transnational drug smuggling operation involving Thai and Malaysian accomplices, leading to the seizure of 3 kilogrammes of ketamine and 400 ecstasy pills, reported KhaoSod. Sexual assault During the investigation, Somphop denied all allegations, claiming that he and the victim were just drinking together, and he had no recollection of the events due to his intoxication from alcohol and ketamine. His defence pointed to his attempts to lead a law-abiding life after his release from prison in 2020, including selling food and working in parcel delivery, but the evidence and the victim’s testimony told a different story. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

British tourist found dead in Thailand drain following pub crawl on notorious 'Death Island' Brit backpacker Theo Bailey, believed to be in his 30s, was sadly found lifeless in a shallow water drainage ditch the following day outside the Roctapus diving centre on Koh Tao Island By Monica CharsleyNews Reporter The tourist's body was found outside the Roctapus diving centre in Koh Tao, Thailand (Image: AsiaPacificPress / ViralPress) A British backpacker has been found dead in a drain whilst on vacation in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324931-british-tourist-found-dead-in-drain-following-pub-crawl-on-notorious-death-island/

The tourist's body was found outside the Roctapus diving centre in Koh Tao, Thailand (Image: AsiaPacificPress / ViralPress) Brit backpacker Theo Bailey, believed to be in his 30s, was sadly found lifeless in a shallow water drainage ditch the following day outside the Roctapus diving centre on Koh Tao Island A British backpacker has been found dead in a drain whilst on vacation in Thailand. Theo Bailey, believed to be 31, went missing while on a pub crawl with his long-term girlfriend, Chantal Xerri. It is believed the pair got drunk with other holidaymakers on the island of Koh Tao on March 18 before he vanished. He was sadly found lifeless in a shallow water drainage ditch the following day outside the Roctapus diving centre. Police believe he had been in the drain for several hours before he was located. His phone is said to have also been missing. The couple were pictured laughing while drinking from buckets of alcohol at a local bar. Theo and Chantal had empty shot glasses in one picture while in another, the man had removed his top and photobombed another group. Others at the same event were seen inhaling nitrous oxide, or hippy crack, and there was a raucous drag performance, with drunken tourists joining in dancing provocatively. Theo Bailey was found dead on March 18 ( Image: AsiaPacificPress / ViralPress) However, Theo, who had been with his partner Chantal, a teacher from Chelmsford, Essex, went missing at some point during the boozy night out. Tragically, he was found dead the next afternoon. The authorities said that the case "was still open", however, no arrests have been made at this time. Theo and Chantal were enjoying a night out in Thailand ( Image: AsiaPacificPress / ViralPress) Thai police said they are waiting for the post-mortem results. Theo's devastated partner Chantal, who is listed as a teaching assistant working for Teaching Personnel based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, posted several tributes online to her partner. She said: "This is probably the hardest post I will ever have to do in my life. Last week, my best friend became an angel. By Monica Charsley, News Reporter Full story: Mirror UK 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 15 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1324930-thailand-live-monday-15-april-2024/

The dark secrets of Thailand’s elephant tourism industry Photo courtesy of The Nation In a recent interview, concerns about the welfare of domesticated elephants have surged. These gentle giants, pivotal to Thailand’s economy since ancient times, now face a crisis that threatens their very existence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324881-the-dark-secrets-of-thailand’s-elephant-tourism-industry/

Thailand suspends TM 6 immigration forms (arrival/departure) Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post The Government of Thailand has put a halt to the obligatory TM 6 immigration forms for foreigners arriving in the country via land or sea, effective from April 15 to October 15. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324876-thailand-suspends-tm-6-immigration-forms-arrivaldeparture/

Casualties from road accidents in the first two days of the long Songkran holiday have risen to 63 dead and 550 injured in 541 accidents, according to the Command Centre for the Prevention and Reduction of Road Accidents during the Songkran Festival. 63 killed, 550 injured on roads during first two days of Songkran break Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324929-63-killed-550-injured-on-roads-during-first-two-days-of-songkran-break/

Casualties from road accidents in the first two days of the long Songkran holiday have risen to 63 dead and 550 injured in 541 accidents, according to the Command Centre for the Prevention and Reduction of Road Accidents during the Songkran Festival. 307 road accidents were recorded on Friday, resulting in 38 fatalities and 299 people injured. 41.37% of the accidents were caused by speeding, 21.17% by drunk driving and 20.20% by cutting in. 84.91% of the accidents involved motorcycles. Most of the accidents occurred between 4pm and 5pm and between 7pm and 8pm. Phayao province recorded the highest number of road accidents yesterday, at 15. Three people died each in Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi-et and Chiang Rai. For the past two days, Chiang Rai and Prachuap Khiri Khan recorded the highest number of road accidents, at 21 each. Roi-et had the highest death toll at five, while Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla have the highest number of injured, at 22 each. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-15 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok’s Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 kicks off by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Bangkok witnessed the grand opening of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 on Thursday. The event, which is a highlight of Thai cultural celebrations, was inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, alongside other notable agencies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324870-bangkok’s-maha-songkran-world-water-festival-2024-kicks-off/

Bangkok witnessed the grand opening of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 on Thursday. The event, which is a highlight of Thai cultural celebrations, was inaugurated by the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, alongside other notable agencies. The festival, lasting until Monday, April 15, showcased 20 vibrant parades that marched through Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang, adding to the city’s festive spirit. Adding a dash of glamour to the festivities was Anntonia Porsild, a beauty queen and the first runner-up of Miss Universe 2023. She had the honour of being nominated for Miss Songkran 2024. The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 also featured beautifully decorated car parades from 16 provinces across Thailand, each reflecting the traditional style of its region. As part of the festivities, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inaugurated the Maha Songkran event at Fountain Square, King Power Rangnam, in Bangkok. The King Power Rangnam area was set to host the festival from April 11 to 16. The theme for this year’s celebration was contemporary Songkran tradition, with a focus on local Thai culture from all four regions. In his public address, Srettha expressed his elation over UNESCO registering Thailand’s Songkran festival as humanity’s intangible cultural heritage, reported Pattaya News. He saw this recognition as a soft power that can significantly uplift local communities. “It is indeed good news that UNESCO has recognised our Songkran festival. This is not just a celebration, but a reflection of our rich cultural heritage that has now gained global recognition.” The 62 year old PM further wished everyone a happy and safe Songkran. The PM emphasised not to drink and drive, prioritising safety during the festive celebrations. “I wish everyone a joyous Songkran. Please remember to travel safely, and refrain from drinking and driving.” In related news, Chanthaburi’s Khao Thip Road was awash with festivities as the first night-time Songkran celebration in Thailand commenced at 8pm yesterday. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chanthaburi ignites night-time Songkran with spirited water fights by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Chanthaburi’s Khao Thip Road was awash with festivities as the first night-time Songkran celebration in Thailand commenced at 8pm yesterday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324869-chanthaburi-ignites-night-time-songkran-with-spirited-water-fights/

Chanthaburi’s Khao Thip Road was awash with festivities as the first night-time Songkran celebration in Thailand commenced at 8pm yesterday. Tens of thousands of tourists flocked to engage in the water-splashing merriments, marking the start of the country’s traditional New Year. The event, taking place along the Tha Chalaeb Road and encircling the public park lake of Somdet Phra Chao Tak Sin Municipality in Chanthaburi, saw a massive turnout of locals and visitors from all directions. They arrived to partake in the joyous splashing, which began with extraordinary vigour. This year, the festivities were inaugurated by Chanthaburi’s governor, Monasitthi Paisalthanawat, along with government officials, under the banner of Auspicious Water Bathing, Songkran Night Festival, Chanthaburi Way. As evening fell, the cheerful splashing of water under the night sky, or Night Songkran, continued with high spirits. People from within Chanthaburi, as well as neighboring provinces, began gathering from late afternoon, with many opting to mount large water tanks on pickup trucks, driving around the public park, contributing to the traffic congestion. Meanwhile, the youth preferred to ride motorcycles and walk, dusting each other with flour on Khao Thip Road. Observations showed teenagers and young adults, dressed casually for the occasion, joining the water-fight festivities from the early evening. Police officers established a command centre in the heart of Khao Thip Road to facilitate order and convenience for visitors, enforcing strict regulations against the consumption of alcoholic beverages within the event premises. Rescue workers from the Sawang Got Tanyu Tamathan Association in Chanthaburi set up points around the area, ready to assist in any incidents on both land and water around Thung Na Chey Lake. Due to the water activities, traffic leading to the Prapokklao Hospital thickened, prompting the hospital to open an emergency route at the back entrance to cater to any urgent accidents. The tradition of nighttime water splashing on Khao Thip Road in Chanthaburi was revived for the first time since the halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic, reported KhaoSod. This year, attendance was expected to reach tens of thousands, possibly surpassing a hundred thousand, given the additional night of celebrations planned for tonight, promising a grand continuation of the festivities. by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Army private drowns in reservoir during Songkran festivities by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Tragedy has 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. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324867-army-private-drowns-in-reservoir-during-songkran-festivities/

Tragedy has 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. The incident occurred yesterday at approximately 3.50pm, when Anuchit, visiting his girlfriend’s family, decided to cool off from the heat by swimming across the Huay Yang reservoir in Pak Thong Chai district. Originally from Ban Rai in Theph Sathit district, Chaiyaphum province, the young army private was enjoying his time at the water’s edge with his girlfriend and her family. The jovial atmosphere turned somber when he, complaining of the heat, plunged into the water to swim across the roughly 400-metre-wide reservoir. Unfortunately, while attempting to return, Anuchit showed signs of exhaustion and after briefly surfacing, he disappeared beneath the waters. Upon receiving the distress call, authorities from Pak Thong Chai police station coordinated with the local diving team, Hook 31 rescue unit, to launch an urgent search and rescue operation. The team, alongside Anuchit’s distraught girlfriend and friends, who were in shock over the sudden turn of events, scoured the waters for hours. It was not until 7.40pm that the divers discovered Anuchit’s body submerged in the reservoir, reported KhaoSod. The medical examiners were called to the scene to conduct a post-mortem examination. The body was then released to the family for religious rites. In related news, a local fishing enthusiast tragically lost his life in Sa Kaeo Province. His body was found entangled in a fishing net in a large pond. In other news, Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre received a report of a foreign tourist drowning at Pattaya Beach, Bang Lamung, Chon Buri on March 2 at 4.20pm. Emergency services rushed to the scene with urgency, locating an unconscious tourist, aged between 50 and 60, who had been brought ashore. Pattaya Beach lifeguards and rescue teams swiftly administered vital first aid before transporting the stricken tourist to Pattaya City Hospital for immediate medical attention. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phi Phi Islands tackle critical water shortage Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Krabi’s renowned Phi Phi Islands are currently wrestling with a critical freshwater shortage. The local governing body, Ao Nang’s tambon administration organisation (TAO), is considering two primary solutions: establishing a pipeline for water provision from the mainland or resorting to seawater desalination. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324864-phi-phi-islands-tackle-critical-water-shortage/