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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. Over the last few years, the absence of tap water during the tourist high season, coinciding with the dry spell, has presented a persistent problem. Phankham Kittitorakul, who presides over Ao Nang’s TAO, confirmed the receipt of a budget to explore the aforementioned options. The urgency of this issue escalates as the water reserve of Water Hill Company Limited, the private entity that caters to the freshwater needs of households, businesses, and various hospitality establishments on the Phi Phi islands, nears depletion. The company has projected that its supply capacity would cease by Tuesday. Following that, it will resort to a two-hour daily distribution until its reserve either refills with rainwater or completely runs dry, mandating further changes. The Ao Nang TAO’s artesian well and water reserve, which typically provides raw water to private companies for tap water production, have also been exhausted. Water prices on the island have reportedly sky-rocketed, reaching 200 baht per cubic metre. This predicament is anticipated to primarily affect households and small businesses without their own artesian wells. However, larger establishments such as hotels and resorts on the islands have expressed that their operations are unaffected due to their independent artesian wells, which ensure a sufficient tap water supply for visitors. Ittichai Tanbutr, vice president of the Pattana Krabi (Krabi development) group, noted that the water shortages in Krabi are intensifying. He reported that the Provincial Waterworks Authority’s office in the province has been compelled to restrict water pressure and limit distribution periods in many areas since Thursday, reported Bangkok Post. Ittichai urged the government to devise a systematic and sustainable solution to this escalating problem. The Phi Phi islands, comprising Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, and several smaller islets, are amongst the province’s most frequented tourist attractions. Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

This Week – TPSO predicts Bt47bn spending during Songkran This year, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office predicted that tourism spending would reach Bt47 billion during the “World Songkran festival”. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324861-this-week-–-tpso-predicts-bt47bn-spending-during-songkran/

This year, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office predicted that tourism spending would reach Bt47 billion during the “World Songkran festival”. That includes travel expenses, accommodation and food. A portion of that spending will also go on Songkran related items. TPSO reported that most people will celebrate Songkran out of Bangkok, in places like Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Khon Kean and Phuket. The report also indicates that the percentage of people who spend over 10,000 baht will increase during the Songkran holiday. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai party quashes Cabinet reshuffle rumours by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A wave of rumours surrounding a potential Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand was quashed yesterday by the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324860-thai-party-quashes-cabinet-reshuffle-rumours/

A wave of rumours surrounding a potential Cabinet reshuffle in Thailand was quashed yesterday by the United Thai Nation (UTN) Party. The party’s Deputy leader and list MP, Wittaya Kaewparadai, stated that despite talks circulating for over a month, no indications of an imminent reshuffle have been communicated by the prime minister. Wittaya, referring to UTN leader Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, pointed out that any plans to alter the Cabinet line-up would be shared with the leaders of the coalition parties by the prime minister. The premier’s intentions behind a reshuffle would also be discussed, allowing partners to make appropriate decisions. “As of now, the prime minister has not sent any signals.” The UTN Party deputy further highlighted that all of UTN’s ministers were competent and there were no allegations against them that could potentially damage the government’s reputation. Rumours of a reshuffle, Wittaya suggested, might be fuelled by politicians aspiring for a Cabinet position. He hinted at the possibility of some former cabinet ministers from the ruling Pheu Thai Party wanting to make a comeback. “However, the prime minister holds the power to reshuffle the cabinet. If he doesn’t initiate it, it won’t take place.” In addition to quashing rumours, Wittaya reassured that the government was not entangled in any corruption scandals. He added that the opposition would not be targeting any minister suspected of graft in the upcoming general debate. Meanwhile, the Move Forward Party (MFP) urged the government to heed MFP chief adviser Pita Limjaroenrat’s call for a Cabinet reshuffle. MFP spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu appealed to the prime minister to assess his cabinet’s performance. He suggested the premier consider necessary changes, as put forth by Pita. Parit stressed that the MFP was less concerned about the individuals appointed to the Cabinet and more focused on the government’s ability to deliver on its promises and implement policies. Regardless of who gets appointed to the Cabinet, the party would continue its close monitoring and scrutiny of the government, reported Bangkok Post. A heightened speculation of an impending Cabinet shake-up was triggered when Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thepsutin advised the media to stay alert for possible changes, stirring the rumour mill into overdrive. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Myanmar residents flee fearing air strikes after rebels seize town by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Amar Preciado FROM:Unsplash.com An influx of people, notably anxious about potential air strikes, queued at a border crossing to escape Myanmar early this morning. This follows the seizure of the strategic town of Myawaddy near Thailand by the anti-junta resistance, which continues to gather momentum. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324859-myanmar-residents-flee-fearing-air-strikes-after-rebels-seize-town/

An influx of people, notably anxious about potential air strikes, queued at a border crossing to escape Myanmar early this morning. This follows the seizure of the strategic town of Myawaddy near Thailand by the anti-junta resistance, which continues to gather momentum. Analysts suggest that the loss of Myawaddy, a vital source of revenue from border trade, adds further pressure to the junta, which is already struggling with a plummeting economy. This development also bolsters rebel groups like the Karen National Union (KNU), responsible for the assault on Myawaddy. A 39 year old Moe Thet San resident of Myawaddy, revealed her fear of air strikes. She, along with her son of around five years old, were among those who had gathered at Mae Sot, the only fully operational border crossing, after the loud noises from the bombing led them to seek safety. Mae Sot, situated just across the Moei River from Myawaddy, is set to receive a visit from Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today, April 12. This follows the junta losing more territory in the recent battles. Junta spokesperson, Zaw Min Tun, disclosed to Myanmar media that some of their troops had surrendered due to the presence of their families. Negotiations with Thailand for their return are currently underway. Myanmar has been convulsed with conflict since 2021, when the military overthrew an elected civilian government, leading to widespread protests and a brutal crackdown. The nationwide resistance against the junta has grown into a coordinated effort with established ethnic rebel groups, posing a significant challenge to the military across vast areas of the Southeast Asian country. Myanmar Military Approximately 200 members of the Myanmar military retreated to a bridge linking to Mae Sot, following the KNU’s announcement that they had secured Myawaddy. However, a counter-attack from the Myanmar military, reinforced by its air force, may be imminent, according to Dulyapak Preecharush, an associate professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Bangkok’s Thammasat University. With the escalation of conflict in Myanmar, the number of people crossing to Mae Sot from Myawaddy has doubled to around 4,000 per day this week. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed his concern that the Myanmar conflict should not intrude into Thailand’s airspace. Despite maintaining a neutral stance in the Myanmar conflict and claiming the capacity to accommodate up to 100,000 individuals displaced by it, Thailand has been actively engaging with its neighbour, including aid deliveries, since the Bangkok-born Srettha assumed power last August. However, the junta may face further strain following a warning by the Arakan Army rebel group of a renewed offensive in Myanmar’s western state of Rakhine. Twan Mrat Naing, the chief of the Arakan Army, has urged residents of the Rakhine cities of Sittwe and Kyauk Phyu to relocate in anticipation of a decisive battle. The Arakan Army was a significant participant in Operation 1027, a concerted attack by three rebel groups last October that captured substantial territory from the junta, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Amar Preciado FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Time banks: Are they the solution to Thailand’s aging crisis? By Thai PBS World’s General Desk The millions of Thais heading back to their home provinces to visit elderly parents over Songkran underlines the harsh reality that many of these seniors spend most of the year all alone. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324858-time-banks-are-they-the-solution-to-thailand’s-aging-crisis/

The millions of Thais heading back to their home provinces to visit elderly parents over Songkran underlines the harsh reality that many of these seniors spend most of the year all alone. Research by Mahidol University’s Institute for Population and Social Research shows the percentage of elderly couples living alone rose from 16.9% in 2011 to 20.6% in 2017. And that figure is on course to climb to 23% by 2050. This is on top of the percentage of single seniors living alone, which soared from 8.6% in 2011 to 10.8% in 2017 and is expected to jump to 15% in 2050. The epidemic of old people living alone coincides with a downward trend in extended families, where three or four generations live together. Such living arrangements are no longer that common in Thailand. Moreover, Thailand is officially an aged society – and on course to become “super-aged” in the next decade. Senior citizens accounted for 20.17% of its total population as of 2023, according to Statista.com. The country must therefore prepare infrastructure, facilities and initiatives to support its graying population. However, public and private sector budget to fund these preparations is limited – meaning millions of seniors without young relatives or carers could be left to suffer alone in their final years. One potentially game-changing solution to this brewing crisis is time-banking. “We are experimenting with the time-banking concept to deal with the country’s growing elderly population,” said Asst Prof Dr Nate Hongkrailert, who works at Siam University’s Research Center for Community Development and heads the Time Bank in Bangkok’s Phasi Charoen district. By Thai PBS World’s General Desk Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket’s ‘Russian invasion’ – they’re here to stay By Peter Roche The conflict in Ukraine has reached far beyond its borders, affecting not only the lives of those inside Ukraine but also on global markets and economies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324856-phuket’s-‘russian-invasion’-–-they’re-here-to-stay/

The conflict in Ukraine has reached far beyond its borders, affecting not only the lives of those inside Ukraine but also on global markets and economies. Thailand, although remaining neutral on the matter (or BECAUSE it declared a neutral stance) has been an unexpected beneficiary of Russia’s invasion and the ongoing war. Thailand even took advantage of the situation, extending the usual 30 day visa exemption for Russian passports to 90 days. 60+ other countries only receive a 30 day visa exempt period (extendable for another 30 days). This favouring the Russian tourists has not gone unnoticed by just about every other country on 30 day visa exemptions. But the appalling situation in Ukraine has ended up as a huge boom in arrivals of Russian citizens and, to a lesser extent, Ukrainians. Many come to Phuket for a short holiday, but a large number are staying and setting up a more permanent residency. This writer has seen many Russian families shopping in Lotus’s for frying pans and mattresses, buying cars and property, lots of property. Over the past year Russian buyers have been the most numerous in the Phuket property market, by far. Almost single-handedly artificially inflating the value of the market after years of languishing, particularly during the Covid pandemic. Last year, Russians ranked as the top tourists in Thailand from outside of Asia, with 1.4 million visitors. This year they are running second to the Chinese, but still very prominent at the arrival gates, particularly in Phuket. So much so, that this surge in arrivals from one particular demographic, has transformed the island’s commercial and social landscape. The areas of Cherngtalay, Bang Tao and Surin are now being nick-named “Little Moscow” – some estimate the population in these areas has doubled in just two years – and places like Chalong and Rawai have witnessed an enormous cultural transformation in the same time. As an example, rental prices for condominiums and villas have jumped, in some locations, more than 300%, pushing out other long-term expats into cheaper areas on the island or off the island altogether. Go to any real estate office on the island and there will be at least one Russian-speaking agent to service the rise in Russian and Ukrainian enquiries. Developers can’t keep up with the demand and new condo stock is rising out of the ground as fast as they can build them – many sold off the plan before they can lay the first brick. And many of these nouveau-tourists are monied, allowing them, in some cases, to circumvent some of the paperwork required by others, aided by corrupt lawyers, officials and agents who ‘smooth’ over visa and business applications. There’s now a taskforce of immigration and labour officials who have been ramping up the policing of these ‘nominee’ businesses, using Thais to open bank accounts and set up businesses, usually reserved for Thais only. There has been hundreds of arrests this year alone (spurred on after the case of the Swiss man living in Cape Yamu who allegedly kicked a Thai doctor who was sitting on his rented property steps). Whilst many Thais are reaping the benefits of increased Russian tourist traffic, and new expats, the sudden influx has caused an equally sudden increase in some crimes, dodgy visa applications, and accusations of some local police and officials ‘turning a blind eye’ to various indiscretions. Applications for the premium Thailand Elite visa options have also been in high demand from Russian citizens looking to stay in Phuket, often with their families, for 5, 10 and 20 years. They’re here to stay. By Peter Roche Full story: PhuketGO 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Interior Ministry official disrupts police at Songkran checkpoint by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA: cottonbro studio FROM:Pexels.com A high-ranking government official from the Ministry of Interior caused a stir when he confronted and attempted to obstruct police officers at a traffic checkpoint during the Songkran Festival celebrations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324855-interior-ministry-official-disrupts-police-at-songkran-checkpoint/

A high-ranking government official from the Ministry of Interior caused a stir when he confronted and attempted to obstruct police officers at a traffic checkpoint during the Songkran Festival celebrations. The incident, which took place yesterday, April 11 at around 5pm, occurred in the district of Yang Chum Noi, Sisaket Province. The man, identified as a district chief, reacted aggressively after his entourage was apprehended for drunk driving. Amid the Songkran Festival, a period known for its increased efforts to curb traffic violations and drunk driving, a high-ranking civil servant from the Ministry of Interior found himself at the centre of a controversy. Witnesses captured footage of the middle-aged man, dressed in a long-sleeved patterned shirt and black trousers, vocally clashing with the officers from Yang Chum Noi Police Station. The police were conducting routine checks on vehicles to enforce traffic discipline and administer breathalyzers as part of the national police’s policy to reduce accidents during the festival. The altercation was sparked when the district chief loudly proclaimed his status as a high-ranking official and accused the police of disrespecting him. The officers replied by reminding the man that, as a senior civil servant, he should be setting a positive example. The district chief, appearing inebriated and smelling of alcohol, became increasingly belligerent and pushed against one of the officers, who was quickly defended by his colleagues and other bystanders. Despite the police’s attempt to arrest a member of the district chief’s party for drink driving, the official intervened, shouting at the officers and warning them not to arrest his associate. He further asserted that the police would need his approval to make purchases, such as firearms, hinting at his authority and influence. The public, having witnessed the event, widely criticised the district chief’s behaviour. It was seen as highly inappropriate, especially given his role in government and the ongoing efforts to ensure public safety during the holiday period. The incident has led to calls for serious legal action against the district chief by the local community, demanding that the provincial governor of Sisaket, Anupong Suksomnit, and the regional police commander, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phisanu Wathu, pursuing charges of drunk driving and obstructing police duty, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA: cottonbro studio FROM:Pexels.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man dies in sand slide at Nakhon Sawan meditation park by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA :Marian Florinel Condruz FROM:Pexels.com A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 3.30pm when a sand slide at a well-known meditation park in Nakhon Sawan province claimed the life of a 53 year old. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324854-man-dies-in-sand-slide-at-nakhon-sawan-meditation-park/

A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 3.30pm when a sand slide at a well-known meditation park in Nakhon Sawan province claimed the life of a 53 year old. As he was excavating sand donated by villagers with his tractor, the mound collapsed, burying him beneath and cutting off his air supply, resulting in his immediate death. An investigative officer from Nong Ben Substation promptly received the report and coordinated with medical personnel to rush to the scene alongside a rescue team. Upon their arrival at the meditation park located in Nong Krot Subdistrict, Mueang District, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chawaroj Thongrod, found local villagers desperately digging with shovels in a bid to save Montri. Despite the rapid response of the authorities and the community’s efforts, it became clear that Montri had already succumbed to the weight of the sand that had completely engulfed him. The investigation revealed that prior to the accident, Montri had driven his tractor into the meditation park to transport the sand that had been donated by locals for personal use in home improvements. The pile of sand, however, unexpectedly gave way, smothering him in its entirety. Villagers later found his tractor idling nearby, which led to the discovery of the accident. Once the body was retrieved, it was transported to a hospital, and the police proceeded with their investigation following legal protocols. The family of the deceased has since been allowed to take his body for religious funeral rites. This incident has cast a sombre mood on the local community, which frequents the meditation park for tranquillity and spiritual practice. It also highlights the potential dangers that individuals may face, even in the most serene settings, when undertaking what are considered routine tasks. The authorities are now emphasising the importance of safety measures when performing such work and are investigating further to prevent a recurrence of this nature, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA :Marian Florinel Condruz FROM:Pexels.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Anutin tells Swiss man Urs Fehr he should go home as he urges Phuket’s governor to monitor the court case by James Morris and Son Nguyen On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) again entered the controversy over Swiss national Urs Fehr (left). He even sent a social media message on the LINE app to Phuket’s governor Sophon Suwannarat. The Interior Minister warned of financial inducements being offered to have the case against Mr Fehr settled outside court. Mr Fehr faces a charge under Section 391 for assaulting Dr Thandao Chandam on February 24th 2024. At the same time, Mr Anutin is on record as assuring the Swiss man that his appeal against the cancellation of his visa will not succeed. Mr Anutin is the ultimate adjudicator under the 1979 Immigration Act. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324853-anutin-tells-swiss-man-urs-fehr-he-should-go-home/

On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (centre) again entered the controversy over Swiss national Urs Fehr (left). He even sent a social media message on the LINE app to Phuket’s governor Sophon Suwannarat. The Interior Minister warned of financial inducements being offered to have the case against Mr Fehr settled outside court. Mr Fehr faces a charge under Section 391 for assaulting Dr Thandao Chandam on February 24th 2024. At the same time, Mr Anutin is on record as assuring the Swiss man that his appeal against the cancellation of his visa will not succeed. Mr Anutin is the ultimate adjudicator under the 1979 Immigration Act. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul urges Swiss man Urs Fehr to leave Thailand as the Phuket governor is tasked with monitoring the prosecution of Fehr’s assault case. Fehr faces public outcry and potential deportation over the attack on a female Thai doctor. The Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, has intervened again in the case of accused Swiss man Urs Fehr in Phuket. It comes simultaneously with an announcement by Phuket Governor, Sophon Suwannarat, that an appeal by the accused Swiss national against his visa revocation would proceed. Certainly, Mr Anutin has let it be known that Mr Fehr is wasting his time pursuing such an appeal. ‘It’s a waste of time, better to go home,’ Mr Anutin recently told reporters. Now he is also urging Governor Sophon to make sure that the prosecution against Mr Fehr is not settled financially. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat to monitor the high-profile prosecution of Swiss man Urs Fehr. The deputy PM wants the process to go forward without any interference or influence. At this time, reports suggest the complainant, Dr Thandao Chandam, may have been approached to settle her case financially. by James Morris and Son Nguyen RELATED TOPIC: Phuket Governor Addresses Rumors in Swiss Expat Alleged Assault Case https://aseannow.com/topic/1324762-phuket-governor-addresses-rumors-in-swiss-expat-alleged-assault-case/ Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Transport Company Logs Over 147,000 Passengers on Round Trips for Songkran By Kittisak Phalaharn On April 12th, 2024, Mr. Atthawit Rakchamroon, the acting director and president of the Transport Company Ltd., publicly revealed passenger log information on April 11th with more than 147,871 individuals traveling round trip via public buses and vans of more than 7,622 trips. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324852-thai-transport-company-logs-over-147000-passengers-on-round-trips-for-songkran/

On April 12th, 2024, Mr. Atthawit Rakchamroon, the acting director and president of the Transport Company Ltd., publicly revealed passenger log information on April 11th with more than 147,871 individuals traveling round trip via public buses and vans of more than 7,622 trips. The number of passengers who used public transportation to travel to their hometown was 80,460 individuals with 4,174 trips from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Bangkok Bus Terminal. Everything went smoothly and there were no left-behind passengers, according to Atthawit. According to the passenger log information on April 12th, it was estimated that more than 80,000 individuals would travel to their hometown. The Transport Company prepared public transportation of more than 4,000 trips to facilitate the passengers. Additional public commuters were also in support of meeting the demand during the Songkran holidays, stated Atthawit. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Deputy Mayor Confident Beachfront Transformation Project Will Be Completed Before Deadline By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Siamrath Pattaya — Pattaya Deputy Mayor Mr. Manoch Nongyai has provided an update on the beachfront landscape transformation project at Pattaya Beach, emphasizing that the project will be completed before the promised deadline. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324850-pattaya-deputy-mayor-confident-beachfront-project-will-be-completed-before-deadline/

Pattaya — Pattaya Deputy Mayor Mr. Manoch Nongyai has provided an update on the beachfront landscape transformation project at Pattaya Beach, emphasizing that the project will be completed before the promised deadline. With a budget of 166 million baht, the project aims to enhance the landscape along Pattaya’s iconic 2.7-kilometer beachfront, stretching from the north end to the southern reaches of the city. The project aligns with Pattaya’s policy to improve the city’s overall image and provide better amenities for both residents and tourists. Mr. Manoch explained that the project will involve the removal of palm trees to make way for a one-lane road expansion along the North Pattaya and Central Pattaya section. The project is being carried out by Nong Nooch Landscape and Garden Design Co., Ltd, and according to the deputy mayor, it is expected to be completed before the contractual deadline. Currently, sidewalk construction is progressing at 80%, and the overall project is on track to be finished before the timeframe. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Siamrath Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Gas Leak Causes Fire at Building Near Pattaya, Two People Injured By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — A fire broke out at a commercial building near Pattaya on Thursday night, April 11th, 2024, leaving two people injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324849-gas-leak-causes-fire-at-building-near-pattaya-two-people-injured/

Pattaya — A fire broke out at a commercial building near Pattaya on Thursday night, April 11th, 2024, leaving two people injured. The incident occurred at 7:06 PM at a building located in the Ta Kian Tia sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. The building was reported to be housing a kratom juice shop. Upon receiving the report, firefighters from the Ta Kian Tia Municipality Disaster Relief Center and rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rushed to the scene. When they arrived at the three-story building, they saw the fire rapidly spreading from the back. Firefighters immediately deployed fire trucks to extinguish the blaze. It took them over half an hour to bring the fire under control. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Substance in Bags Found Near Pattaya Turns Out to be Harmless Scrap Metal By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Authorities confirmed that the black substance found in bags abandoned at an excavation pit near Pattaya on Wednesday turned out to be just harmless scrap metal, not the carcinogenic cadmium waste that locals feared. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324847-substance-in-bags-found-near-pattaya-turns-out-to-be-harmless-scrap-metal/

Pattaya — Authorities confirmed that the black substance found in bags abandoned at an excavation pit near Pattaya on Wednesday turned out to be just harmless scrap metal, not the carcinogenic cadmium waste that locals feared. The discovery of numerous white bags discarded near a pit in Moo 7, Pattaya, raised concerns among locals who feared the bags might contain missing cadmium waste. This prompted the Banglamung officials to investigate the site and collect samples of the black substance for analysis. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe