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Chinese Tourists Flocking To Pattaya’s New Songkran Attraction by TNR Staff Chinese tourists having fun at Pattaya Water Space park. Photos: Naewna CHINESE tourists are flocking to Pattaya with some coming by chartered flights to enjoy Songkran festival at the newly-opened Pattaya Water Space park, Naewna newspaper said this morning (Apr. 12). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324846-chinese-tourists-flocking-to-pattaya’s-new-songkran-attraction/

CHINESE tourists are flocking to Pattaya with some coming by chartered flights to enjoy Songkran festival at the newly-opened Pattaya Water Space park, Naewna newspaper said this morning (Apr. 12). This new tourist attraction encompassing 114-rai of land is holding the “Maha Songkran Water Park” festival for around 3,000 guests per night. However the water-splashing fun is continuing at this park all year round with both Thais and foreigners welcome to join in. Aside from traditional Thai art and culture shows, there is also modern music and a light and sound show to entertain the guests with as many as 300 performers staging them. by TNR Staff TOP: Chinese tourists having fun at Pattaya Water Space park. Photos: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visits Hua Hin Railway Station during Songkran By Online Reporter Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accompanied by key government officials, visited the new Hua Hin Railway Station on April 12, during the start of the Songkran festival holidays. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324845-prime-minister-srettha-thavisin-visits-hua-hin-railway-station-during-songkran/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, accompanied by key government officials, visited the new Hua Hin Railway Station on April 12, during the start of the Songkran festival holidays. At 2:00 PM, the Prime Minister, also serving as the Minister of Finance, was joined by Suriya Juengrungruangkit, Minister of Transport, and Puangpet Chunla-ied, a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. The delegation was warmly received by the Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, the Hua Hin District Chief, the Mayor of Hua Hin City, and other leaders from both public and private sectors. During his tour, Prime Minister Thavisin participated in a traditional water-pouring ceremony with a Buddha statue—a customary practice during Songkran, symbolizing purification and the washing away of sins and bad luck. He also inspected the station’s new facilities, which have been operational since December 11, 2023. The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the station’s design and functionality, highlighting the dual-track system’s role in significantly reducing travel times. When questioned about the adequacy of train services during the Songkran festival, Prime Minister Thavisin confirmed that the existing arrangements were sufficient to handle the increased demand, emphasizing the efficiency of the new dual-track system compared to the often congested roads. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Govt Urged To Reveal Details Of BAAC Borrowing For Digital Wallet Scheme By Thai Newsroom Reporters Top: Move Forward MP Sirikanya Tansakul and a banner promoting the 10,000 baht digital wallet project. Photos: Matichon THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY (Apr. 12) pressed to tell how long a sum of 172.3 billion baht in planned borrowing from the Bank for Agriculture & Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to finance in part their 10,000-baht digital wallet project could be completely repaid. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324844-govt-urged-to-reveal-details-of-baac-borrowing-for-digital-wallet-scheme/

THE GOVERNMENT WAS TODAY (Apr. 12) pressed to tell how long a sum of 172.3 billion baht in planned borrowing from the Bank for Agriculture & Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) to finance in part their 10,000-baht digital wallet project could be completely repaid. Move Forward MP Sirikanya Tansakun said the Pheu Thai-led government is obliged to unveil to the public how many years the sought-after 172.3 billion baht funding from the government-run BAAC could be returned in full and how much interest per annum it may incur. Sirikanya insisted members of the public be truthfully informed of BAAC’s currently untapped liquidity some of which could be finally provided as part of a 500 billion baht total needed to finance the government’s populist handout campaign whilst the government currently owes as much as 800 billion baht of borrowed money to BAAC. Meanwhile, she said, it remains to be seen whether the Council of State, known as a legal adviser to government, will finally deem the government’s populist handout campaign eligible to borrow the BAAC money which is normally used in financial support of farmers. By Thai Newsroom Reporters Top: Move Forward MP Sirikanya Tansakul and a banner promoting the 10,000 baht digital wallet project. Photos: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Reports Zero Deaths on First Day of ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Phuket has announced a total of four road accidents and four injuries on the first day of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324843-phuket-reports-zero-deaths-on-first-day-of-‘songkran-seven-days-road-safety-campaign’/

Phuket – Phuket has announced a total of four road accidents and four injuries on the first day of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. The Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Office told the Phuket Express yesterday (April 12th) the details on the first day (April 11th) of the campaign. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pakistani Man Arrested in Patong for 337 Days of Overstay By Goongnang Suksawat Patong – A Pakistani man was arrested in Patong after he was found to have overstayed his legal visa by 337 days. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324841-pakistani-man-arrested-in-patong-for-337-days-of-overstay/

Patong – A Pakistani man was arrested in Patong after he was found to have overstayed his legal visa by 337 days. Phuket Immigration officers told the Phuket Express that earlier this month they arrested a suspect identified only as MR. ASHFAQ, 34, a Pakistani national. He was arrested at a rental room on the Ratcha Uthit 200 Pi Road in Patong. He was taken to the Patong Police Station to face charges of overstaying. The arrest came after police received a tip-off that there was an illegal foreigner staying at the rental room. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok police shut down secret e-cigarette Line group by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA:CDC FROM:Unsplash.com A female administrator was arrested for operating a secret Line group used for selling e-cigarettes for over two years. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324840-bangkok-police-shut-down-secret-e-cigarette-line-group/

A female administrator was arrested for operating a secret Line group used for selling e-cigarettes for over two years. The police charged her with various offences, including facilitating the concealment and distribution of goods known to have entered the kingdom without proper customs clearance. The arrest took place today, April 12, following a raid authorised by a search warrant from the Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Court. The undercover investigation leading to the arrest began when Cyber Police Division 2 and Division 4 detected the clandestine sale of e-cigarettes through a secret Line group named @chayut#cnvapeshop. The probe revealed that the group’s administrator, Nataree Kruepue, was indeed engaging in the unlawful trade. Following the gathering of evidence, the court issued a warrant, and upon inspection of the residence, authorities found Nataree in possession of a significant number of various e-cigarette brands. The crackdown on illegal online trade, especially in products like e-cigarettes, has been a focus for Thai authorities due to the health risks associated with such products and the danger caused along with the loss of customs duties. The arrest underscores the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the smuggling and illegal distribution of goods that bypass regulatory measures. It also serves as a warning to those involved in similar activities that law enforcement agencies are actively monitoring online platforms for illegal trade practices. During the interrogation, Nataree admitted to owning the secret Line group and having sold e-cigarettes through it for more than two years. The products were priced from 40 baht up to 1,040 baht each. After customers placed orders, they were instructed to transfer money to Nataree and provide shipping details for the delivery of the e-cigarettes through postal services. Nataree is now facing legal proceedings for her actions after being handed over to the investigative officers at Khlong Lan Police Station, Kamphaeng Phet Province, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood TOP PHOTO VIA:CDC FROM:Unsplash.com Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese teenager escapes suspected smuggling operation in Thailand by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via Today Online A 16 year old Chinese teenager made a daring escape from a moving vehicle in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram, Thailand, in the early hours of this morning. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324839-chinese-teenager-escapes-suspected-smuggling-operation-in-thailand/

A 16 year old Chinese teenager made a daring escape from a moving vehicle in Prakhon Chai district, Buriram, Thailand, in the early hours of this morning. The teenager, known as Sukai, ran towards the local police station seeking help, alleging that he and his friends had been tricked into smuggling by another Chinese national under the pretext of working in Vietnamese restaurants. The chief of Prakhon Chai station, Police Colonel Witsanu Apornpong, along with officers from police, immigration, and military intelligence, immediately began questioning the boy. Sukai had managed to escape from the vehicle on the Nang Rang route along Highway 24, leading to his dash towards the police station. The entire incident was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area. Sukai, hailing from Hubei province in China, revealed during the questioning that he and his ten friends were duped by a Chinese acquaintance who promised them jobs in Vietnam. Instead, they were taken to Laos and then to Thailand. According to Sukai’s account, upon their arrival in Laos, the group was separated. He another Chinese friend, and two Thai individuals were later guided across the Thai border. Unbeknownst to them, a car was sent to pick them up, and they had no idea where the driver was taking them. When Sukai noticed a signpost with the word police, he made the quick decision to leap from the vehicle and sprint to the police station for help. His friend, however, did not dare to do the same. A police source revealed that Sukai’s Chinese friend had since managed to contact law enforcement officials at the Wang Chao station in Tak province. In response to the situation, Sukai’s mother reached out to the Thai consulate in China to organise her son’s return. The police are now investigating whether Sukai and his friends were smuggled into Thailand for illegal employment. The authorities are considering the possibility that they may have been forced to work in illicit activities such as phone scamming, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor PHOTO: via Today Online Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Man found dead in Khon Kaen, police chase killer by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA:Jr korpa FROM:Unsplash.com Police are urgently pursuing a suspect in the brutal slaying of a 41 year old man, who was found with his throat slit while returning to his shack in the middle of a field. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324838-man-found-dead-in-khon-kaen-police-chase-killer/

Police are urgently pursuing a suspect in the brutal slaying of a 41 year old man, who was found with his throat slit while returning to his shack in the middle of a field. The murder incident occurred today, April 12, when police from the Ubonrat Police Station in Khon Kaen Province were dispatched to investigate the crime scene in search of clues that might lead them to the perpetrator. The victim, identified as Thaweesak, was discovered deceased on a public road in Ban Khok Sung Public Road, Village No. 2, Khok Sung Subdistrict, Ubonrat District, Khon Kaen Province. The case unfolded in the late hours of April 10, when authorities were notified of a man found dead, dressed in a yellow t-shirt and black pants, lying face down in a pool of blood next to a black Honda Wave motorcycle with no license plate attached. A preliminary examination revealed several wounds on the body and left arm. Investigators are now on the hunt for the killer who slashed the throat of Thaweesak, a man known for his habitual drinking, found mysteriously dead beside his motorcycle. Further investigation led to the realisation that the deceased was 41 years old, Thaweesak. Witnesses who discovered the body reported riding past and seeing Thaweesak lying face down with a pool of blood around him and his motorcycle by the roadside. Initially thinking it was an accident, they approached only to find a gory wound on his neck and promptly contacted emergency services at 1669. 55 years old, the assistant village chief of Khok Sung recounted that Thaweesak was unemployed and regularly drank and socialized with friends. Described as an ordinary person not involved with drugs, Suthat expressed sorrow over the tragedy that befell a member of the community. The responsibility to track down the assailant rests with the police, and it remains uncertain whether the suspect is a local or from another village. reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA:Jr korpa FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok harnesses AI to tackle illegal sidewalk use by Nattapong Westwood Nattapong PHOTO VIA :Steve Johnson FROM:Unsplash.com Bangkok authorities are ramping up the enforcement of sidewalk regulations, deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and fine lawbreakers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324837-bangkok-harnesses-ai-to-tackle-illegal-sidewalk-use/

Bangkok authorities are ramping up the enforcement of sidewalk regulations, deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and fine lawbreakers. The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Suphakrit Bunkhan, announced progress in the sidewalk management campaign, emphasizing the use of technology to improve the efficiency of law enforcement. From June 12, 2022, to April 1, 2024, a pilot programme to penalise illegal parking and driving on sidewalks led to the detection of 74,333 violations. Out of these, 8,415 vehicle owners were summoned to provide statements, 225 received warnings, and 410 were fined a total of 293,300 baht. The City Law Enforcement Office is expediting the process for all districts equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras integrated with AI systems to promptly issue summonses to vehicle owners. Concurrently, the authorities are surveying additional locations for the installation of CCTV cameras with AI technology. As part of the campaign to deter cars and motorcycles from using sidewalks, strict law enforcement is in place to ensure public safety and protect the property of pedestrians. This action is by Section 17 (2) of the Act on the Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country, B.E. 2535, as amended (No. 2), B.E. 2560, which prohibits parking or driving on sidewalks. During the period from July 2018 to April 2024, the efforts have resulted in 55,888 offenders being caught and fined a total of 62,429,000 baht, said the Director of the Traffic and Transportation Office, Thaiphat Thanasombatkul. “A trial at 15 locations with CCTV systems had been successful in capturing images of motorcycles riding on sidewalks. These images, along with the vehicle registration details, were sent to the City Law Enforcement Office to track down the owners for fines in compliance with the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act, which states, ‘No one shall park or drive any vehicle on the sidewalks, except for entering a building or as allowed by traffic officers.'” Reported outcomes The results show a decrease in violations and a change in driver behaviour, leading to a target to expand the installation of such systems across Bangkok. An additional 100 locations are planned to be equipped by August, with the expectation that the entire installation will be completed by then. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Bangkok’s administration to reclaim sidewalks for pedestrians and ensure that the city’s traffic laws are respected, enhancing safety and accessibility for all residents and visitors. With the aid of AI technology, the city aims to create a more orderly and law-abiding environment on its streets and sidewalks, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood Nattapong TOP PHOTO VIA :Steve Johnson FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Car Crashes into Light Pole and Catches Fire on Sri Racha Road, Driver Escapes By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Sri Racha, Chonburi — A sedan crashed into a light pole in Sri Racha, Chonburi, before busting into flames. The driver disappeared from the incident scene, but the authorities found a Chinese ID inside the vehicle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324836-car-crashes-into-light-pole-and-catches-fire-on-sri-racha-road-driver-escapes/

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya Sri Racha, Chonburi — A sedan crashed into a light pole in Sri Racha, Chonburi, before busting into flames. The driver disappeared from the incident scene, but the authorities found a Chinese ID inside the vehicle. The accident took place on April 11th at the Nong Kwae – Amtha Intersection in the Bo Win sub-district, Sri Racha district, Chonburi province. It prompted a response from Sri Racha police and local emergency responders. Upon arrival, authorities found a white Mazda 2 sedan had crashed into a streetlight, causing the pole to break. The car was engulfed in flames. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Police Inspect Pubs to Deter Crime During Songkran By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Pattaya police and various law enforcement agencies conducted a joint inspection of entertainment venues on Thursday, April 11th, in an effort to deter illegal activities and ensure the safety of tourists during the Songkran festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324835-pattaya-police-inspect-pubs-to-deter-crime-during-songkran/

Pattaya — Pattaya police and various law enforcement agencies conducted a joint inspection of entertainment venues on Thursday, April 11th, in an effort to deter illegal activities and ensure the safety of tourists during the Songkran festival. The operation, led by Pol. Col. Nawin Thirawith, Superintendent of the Pattaya Police Station, involved over 80 officers from various units. They first visited a nightclub, Ying Club, on Pattaya Third Road, where they found a large number of Thai and Chinese tourists inside the venue. Officers ordered the music to be stopped, lights turned on, and patrons separated by gender. They then proceeded to check the IDs and conduct drug tests on the customers and staff. No illegal activities were found. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

to continue: Thailand Live Saturday 13 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1324834-thailand-live-saturday-13-april-2024/

UPDATE: Fat farang strips naked and poops in Bangkok shrine - video Picture courtesy of ASEAN Now Thailand’s tourism drive suffered another setback this week when Bangkok bore witness to yet another repulsive, badly-behaved fat farang who saw it fit to strip naked, bathe and poop in a Buddhist shrine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324792-foreigners-shocking-behavior-on-soi-4-sparks-outrage-in-bangkok-videos/?do=findComment&comment=18838329

Twenty-five people were killed and 248 others injured in 234 road accidents across the country on Thursday, Chaiwat Chuntirapong, director-general of the Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, told a press conference today. 25 killed, 248 injured in road accidents on first day of Songkran travel Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324825-25-killed-248-injured-in-road-accidents-on-first-day-of-songkran-travel/