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BANGKOK (NNT) - The government has offered an explanation about a Chinese tourist who was under the impression that Bangkok would be hosting continuous water fights during the Songkran festival, based on the government's 21-day celebration announcement. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin clarified that the extended celebration does not imply non-stop water festivities throughout. The concept encompasses a variety of traditional activities across different regions, with water-playing events scheduled for specific dates after April 13 in certain areas like Phra Pradaeng and Pattaya. To further promote the Maha Songkran World Water Festival and celebrate Songkran on an international scale, the Public Relations Department (PRD) is actively publicizing the event. PRD Director-General Sudruetai Lertkasem and Deputy Director-General Janya Amhirun have been visiting Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi provinces to oversee preparations and instill a sense of pride and awareness of Songkran. This year's Songkran celebration welcomed the global recognition of the festival as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO. The government's goal is to showcase Songkran as a worldwide celebration, highlighting a diverse array of activities to not only attract tourists but also to foster a sense of national pride among Thais in their cultural heritage. by Naark Rojanasuvan Source: NNT 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bank of Thailand likely to cut policy rate, predicts CIMB Thai Bank by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bank of Thailand The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is predicted to lower its policy rate tomorrow, providing a short-term stimulus to the nation’s economy, which has been hampered by budget disbursement delays. Amonthep Chawla, lead economist at CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), believes the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will favour a reduction in the policy rate at the upcoming meeting, with a predicted 4-3 vote. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324487-bank-of-thailand-likely-to-cut-policy-rate-predicts-cimb-thai-bank/

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is predicted to lower its policy rate tomorrow, providing a short-term stimulus to the nation’s economy, which has been hampered by budget disbursement delays. Amonthep Chawla, lead economist at CIMB Thai Bank (CIMBT), believes the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will favour a reduction in the policy rate at the upcoming meeting, with a predicted 4-3 vote. The anticipated shift is in contrast to the last committee meeting in February, where the MPC voted 5-2 to keep the policy rate steady. At that time, two members advocated for a rate reduction, citing a significant decrease in the neutral interest rate due to falling potential economic growth rates amidst heightened structural obstacles. According to Chawla, the delicate equilibrium between an appropriate policy rate and prospective economic growth is likely the main motivation behind the expected rate reduction. The fiscal 2024 budget’s delayed disbursement has dampened economic activity and eroded consumer purchasing power. Thus, the anticipated rate cut could aid a short-term economic recovery. CIMBT predicts the MPC will reduce the policy rate twice in succession, in April and June, each by 0.25 percentage points, bringing the rate down to 2% by the end of the year. However, the bank cautions that the lower policy rate may not significantly boost Thailand’s economic growth this year due to persistent structural issues. CIMBT has revised its Thai GDP growth forecast for this year from 3.1% to 2.7%. While the bank had previously evaluated the economy’s growth potential as exceeding 3%, it now considers it to have fallen below this level. The World Bank also forecasted a decline in Thailand’s potential GDP growth post-pandemic, estimating an average of 2.7% per year between 2023 and 2030. Chawla suggests that Thailand requires structural reform, calling for a collaboration between monetary and fiscal policies to bolster potential GDP growth over the long term. SCB EIC, a research arm of Siam Commercial Bank, also anticipates the MPC will begin to cut the policy rate by 0.25 percentage points tomorrow. Debt burden Meanwhile, Chief Economist at SCB EIC, Somprawin Manprasert, posits that a rate cut will not only allow the MPC to adjust its monetary policy in line with the economy’s structural changes but will also alleviate the debt burden, especially for vulnerable companies and households grappling with high-interest rates. However, Kasikorn Research Center (K-Research) expects the committee to keep the rate steady at Wednesday’s meeting, foreseeing the commencement of the policy rate cuts in June, followed by further reductions of 0.25 percentage points. K-Research believes that the MPC will likely cut rates after the US Federal Reserve to avoid potential capital outflows and prevent the baht from depreciating against the dollar. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bank of Thailand Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Northern Thailand prepares for severe summer storms by Nattapong Westwood Thailand is currently bracing for a series of summer storms that are expected to unleash heavy rains, hail, and strong winds across the northern regions of the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324484-northern-thailand-prepares-for-severe-summer-storms/

Thailand is currently bracing for a series of summer storms that are expected to unleash heavy rains, hail, and strong winds across the northern regions of the country. The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a warning, highlighting the imminent weather disturbances brought on by a high-pressure area extending from China that will impact the country until Thursday, April 11. Residents in the northern parts of Thailand are experiencing sweltering heat, which, when combined with a western disturbance moving through Myanmar and northern Thailand from April 9 to April 11, is likely to result in turbulent weather conditions. The summer storms are anticipated to bring thunderstorms, gusty winds, and possible hail in some areas, as well as the risk of lightning strikes. The TMD urged citizens to take precautions against the summer storms, advising against staying in open areas, under large trees, near weak structures, and close to billboards that may not withstand the strong winds. Farmers are also advised to protect their crops and livestock from potential damage. The regions predicted to be affected by the severe weather today, April 9, include several provinces in the northern, northeastern, central, and eastern parts of Thailand, as well as Bangkok and its vicinity. Tomorrow, additional areas in these regions are expected to face the impact of the summer storms. By Thursday, the forecast indicates that the Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, and Tak provinces will also experience the effects of the storm. The public is encouraged to stay updated with the latest announcements from the TMD and to seek information from their website or call their 24-hour hotline. The department will continue to monitor the situation and is scheduled to issue further updates as the weather develops, reported KhaoSod. As these summer storms are a recurring seasonal phenomenon in Thailand, the emphasis remains on preparedness and awareness to mitigate the risks associated with such severe weather events. The safety and readiness of the population, particularly in the most vulnerable regions, are of utmost importance to minimize the adverse impacts of the storms. by Nattapong Westwood Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Port relocation set to combat pollution and congestion by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bnagkok Port Centre The Bangkok Port, a 32-rai facility located next to the Chao Phraya River in the Klong Toey district, is slated for relocation as per government orders. The decision aims to repurpose the area for public advantage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324482-bangkok-port-relocation-set-to-combat-pollution-and-congestion/

The Bangkok Port, a 32-rai facility located next to the Chao Phraya River in the Klong Toey district, is slated for relocation as per government orders. The decision aims to repurpose the area for public advantage. The directive was communicated through a letter issued by Thawatchai Chanpaisansil, adviser to the Cabinet Secretariat, on April 4 to the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Interior, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and the Port Authority of Thailand (PAT). This letter outlined the Cabinet’s resolution from their prior Tuesday meeting to move Bangkok Port out of the capital city. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, in an April 2 Cabinet meeting, had proposed this relocation, emphasizing the potential benefits it could bring to Klong Toey residents and the wider Bangkok populace. This move is anticipated to alleviate the dust pollution generated by freight trucks that frequent Bangkok Port. The Cabinet has tasked the Ministry of Transport to collaborate with the PAT and relevant agencies to expedite the relocation’s feasibility study. This directive also includes the transfer of all amenities, such as depots and oil storage facilities. The Ministry of Transport, PAT, BMA, and other concerned agencies are expected to draft a post-relocation development plan to tackle prevalent issues like slum community problems, traffic congestion, and dust pollution, the source revealed. “The prime minister is keen on elevating the living standards of the Klong Toey community and is resolute about eliminating the pollution and congestion issues caused by the port’s presence in inner Bangkok.” Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt had earlier proposed this relocation during a meeting with the prime minister at City Hall in February. The 62 year old Bangkok-born premier, recognising the urgency, agreed to study the matter. The BMA aims to shift the Bangkok Port to the Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Chon Buri, with a vision to reduce air pollution and transform the vacated area into a green space for city-dwellers, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bnagkok Port Centre Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

8 Lao women arrested in Thailand for prostitution The sex trade is technically illegal in Thailand, but laws against it are rarely enforced By RFA Lao Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau raid a karaoke shop April 4, 2024 in Bang Pakong district, Thailand. Manager Online Authorities in Thailand have arrested eight Lao women, seven of whom entered the country illegally to work as prostitutes, and one who worked as their madam, Radio Free Asia has learned. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324481-8-lao-women-arrested-in-thailand-for-prostitution/

The sex trade is technically illegal in Thailand, but laws against it are rarely enforced Authorities in Thailand have arrested eight Lao women, seven of whom entered the country illegally to work as prostitutes, and one who worked as their madam, Radio Free Asia has learned. According to the Anti-Trafficking in Person Unit of the Thai Department of Special Investigation, the seven women were aged 21 to 36, and they were arrested at a karaoke bar in Bang Pakong district in the southern province of Chachoengsao. The eighth woman is the wife of the bar’s owner. A police officer in Bang Pakong district confirmed Monday that the seven women, who were arrested on April 4, are still in custody and are awaiting trial and will be deported to Laos later. The sex trade is technically illegal in Thailand, but laws against it are rarely enforced. Authorities do, however, more strictly enforce immigration laws. “Usually, people from Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are allowed to work in Thailand in only certain types of work like construction, but not in entertainment venues or karaoke bars,” Col. Pattanapong Sripinproh of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit told RFA Lao. “They are not allowed to work as bar girls or drink girls,” he said. “If they do, they’ll be arrested.” Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau raid a karaoke shop April 4, 2024 in Bang Pakong district, Thailand. (Manager Online) By RFA Lao TOP: Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau raid a karaoke shop April 4, 2024 in Bang Pakong district, Thailand. Manager Online Full story: Radio Free Asia - RFA 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 9 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324480-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-9-april-2024/

Thai police report that consumer fraud remains the top online scam, inflicting over 1 billion baht in damages during the first quarter of this year. Over 26,500 online scam cases were reported through the police website. Other scams include deceiving victims into transferring money for promised additional income, resulting in 466 million baht in damage, and loan scams, where victims ended up paying many times more than they borrowed. A feasibility study is considering the expansion of the airport on Samui island with the aim to enable larger aircraft to land and increase tourist numbers. The island's airport currently handles some 6 million passengers annually. A feasibility study into expansion is likely to be ready early next year, according the the prime minister who concluded a visit to the island yesterday. Gunmen launched a surprise attack on a patrol in Narathiwat, southern Thailand last night. Killing two defense volunteers and injuring nine others. Police report that attacks had intensified during the final ten days of Ramadan. Local authorities in Prachuap Khiri Khan aim to make the Singkhon border crossing a permanent checkpoint into Myanmar to improve local trade. Plans are underway to upgrade the crossing to reduce congestion and improve loading facilities. Thailand granted permission to the Myanmar junta to run three special flights evacuating its personnel to Mae Sot after hundreds of troops near the Myanmar border trading hub of Myawaddy surrendered to resistance forces. The thai government cited humanitarian reasons for allowing the flights. Prime minister Strettha will meet Thai military leaders, the foreign minister, and senior officials from the National Security Council today. Around the region WEATHER A change in the weather in the north east of the country with heavy rain likely. Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny partly cloudy 42C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 38C Pattaya: Sunny becoming cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, light clouds winds light from the south 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 2024-04-09 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

65-year-old lady shocked as 'Giant Python' creeps into house Picture: Daily News A massive python slithering into the home of a 65-year-old lady left her nearly shocked to the core. She promptly called for rescue assistance, speculating whether the serpent sneaked in seeking warmth or perhaps to offer a stroke of luck, not missing the chance to test her home's lottery numbers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324478-65-year-old-lady-shocked-as-giant-python-creeps-into-house/

A massive python slithering into the home of a 65-year-old lady left her nearly shocked to the core. She promptly called for rescue assistance, speculating whether the serpent sneaked in seeking warmth or perhaps to offer a stroke of luck, not missing the chance to test her home's lottery numbers. Picture: Daily News On April 8th, rescue officials in Ang Thong province responded to a distress call reporting a large python lurking inside a house at 42/29 Moo 1, Pang Ngio, Mueang district. Upon arrival, they found the homeowner, the 65-year-old lady, ready to lead them in capturing the reptile, reported Daily News. Picture: Daily News After about 10 minutes of careful maneuvering, the rescue team safely apprehended the snake, identified as a female python measuring approximately 3.5 meters long and weighing around 20 kilograms. They later released it back into the wild. Picture: Daily News The homeowner recounted hearing strange noises near the carport and was startled to find the python creeping in. While neighbors gathered to witness the capture, they didn't miss the opportunity to jot down the house's numbers for the next lucky draw. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Police Stop Suspicious Motorcyclist, Find Drugs and Gun By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya — Pattaya police arrested a Thai motorcyclist whom they decided to pull over due to his suspicious demeanor. However, the suspect fled but was later arrested with illegal drugs and a gun. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324477-pattaya-police-stop-suspicious-motorcyclist-find-drugs-and-gun/

Pattaya — Pattaya police arrested a Thai motorcyclist whom they decided to pull over due to his suspicious demeanor. However, the suspect fled but was later arrested with illegal drugs and a gun. On April 6th, 2024, a team of police officers from the Banglamung Police Station conducted a safety patrol in the Soi Khao Talo area of Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. During the patrol, the officers spotted a man acting suspiciously while riding a Honda Wave motorcycle. When police attempted to pull him over, he fled on his motorbike. The officers chased the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Mr. Thirasak Prungthongdee, to a nearby apartment building on Soi Ban Noen Railway 2. Mr. Thirasak then abandoned his motorcycle and ran to the second floor of the building. However, as he tried to open a door, the officers caught up to him and arrested him. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Police Arrest Six Members of Local Gang Involved in Illegal Firearms Trade and Felony Crimes By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok—At 3:30 AM, on April 8th, 2024, the Thai metropolitan police officers captured six local gang members who allegedly conspired to commit felony crimes including attempting murder, illegally selling firearms, and other offenses, at a residence in Nong Chok, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324476-bangkok-police-arrest-six-members-of-local-gang-involved-in-illegal-firearms-trade/

Bangkok—At 3:30 AM, on April 8th, 2024, the Thai metropolitan police officers captured six local gang members who allegedly conspired to commit felony crimes including attempting murder, illegally selling firearms, and other offenses, at a residence in Nong Chok, Bangkok. According to the metropolitan police report, locals filed complaint reports of Nong Chok local gang members who reportedly stirred fear and frustration in locals as they allegedly robbed, murdered, and sold illicit substances and illegal firearms. The gang members were on the wanted list by the local police. However, the suspects escaped from police pursuit many times and allegedly sent a letter to the police station stating “Catch us if you can.” It was reported that the suspect group only took refuge in the Nong Chok area but was originally from elsewhere. Upon the police observation, it was determined that the gang planned to commit another crime in the Nong Chak area. The special investigative teams were then stationed on observation locally for more than 36 hours and were able to detect two of the Nong Chok local gang members. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hua Hin hosts thrilling Thai Jet Ski Championship By Online Reporter The shores of Don Hua Beach in Khao Takiab became a battleground for speed and skill last weekend as the Thai Jet Ski Championship kicked off its 2024 season with the “Vana Nava Water Jungle – Toyota Waterjet Pro Tour Thailand.” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324475-hua-hin-hosts-thrilling-thai-jet-ski-championship/

The shores of Don Hua Beach in Khao Takiab became a battleground for speed and skill last weekend as the Thai Jet Ski Championship kicked off its 2024 season with the “Vana Nava Water Jungle – Toyota Waterjet Pro Tour Thailand.” Competitors from across the nation gathered to test their mettle in the high-octane event, which was attended by key figures including Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, the former Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Kittipong Sukhapakul, Deputy Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Mrs. Pailin Kongpan, Deputy Mayor of Hua Hin. The start of the action saw Kasidit Thirapratheep outperformed Suphat Foothrakul, a thrice-crowned champion of the professional sit-down 1,100 cc engine division, during the event, which was the season opener of the Thai Jet Ski Championship. The event, supported by a host of sponsors including Vana Nava Water Park Hua Hin and TOYOTA, showcased four pro categories, highlighting the world’s fastest and most powerful jet skis. Thira Sertthurak, alongside Pimphon Thirapattanapong and Lertpong Khunchaeng, led the pack, with Thira ultimately securing the championship title with a strategic performance across three motos. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chonburi Merchant Loses One-Million-Baht in Life Savings in House Fire By Aim Tanakorn Chonburi — A female merchant in Chonburi lost her life savings worth over one million baht after it was incinerated along with her rented house in a fire that occurred early Monday morning, April 8th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324474-chonburi-merchant-loses-one-million-baht-in-life-savings-in-house-fire/

Chonburi — A female merchant in Chonburi lost her life savings worth over one million baht after it was incinerated along with her rented house in a fire that occurred early Monday morning, April 8th, 2024. The incident took place at a townhouse complex in Laem Chabang, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. Firefighters were informed of the fire about 03:34 AM and rushed to the scene to find a two-story townhouse engulfed in flames. The intense fire quickly spread to two adjacent houses. Firefighters used high-pressure water to extinguish the blaze. It took them over two hours to bring the fire under control. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Gunfire Erupts Near Pattaya Walking Street, Women Assaulted By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Two Thai women filed a complaint to Pattaya police after being allegedly assaulted and threatened with a gun by a group of teenagers near Pattaya Walking Street last weekend. The group also fired a gun on the street, terrifying tourists, the victims said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324473-gunfire-erupts-near-pattaya-walking-street-women-assaulted/

Pattaya —Two Thai women filed a complaint to Pattaya police after being allegedly assaulted and threatened with a gun by a group of teenagers near Pattaya Walking Street last weekend. The group also fired a gun on the street, terrifying tourists, the victims said. On April 8th, 2024, Ms. A (pseudonym), 31 years old, and Ms. B (pseudonym), 25 years old, took their plight to local media, asking anyone to help track down a group of teenagers who reportedly attacked them near Pattaya Walking Street. Ms. A said that the incident occurred at 5:00 AM on April 6th. She and her sister, Ms. B, were returning from Walking Street to a parking lot when they noticed a large group of teenagers gathered and talking as if they were about to fight. Their motorcycle was parked nearby, so Ms. A told the teenagers, “Excuse me, can I get my motorcycle please?” Ms. A, who was drunk, then told her sister that she didn’t care who was fighting, she just wanted to go home. According to Ms. A, the teenagers likely overheard her conversation with her sister, so they started arguing with her. One woman then grabbed her hair and started slapping and kicking her. Another man also reportedly attacked her. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chiang Mai declares more districts as disaster zones amid wildfires by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA:icon0 com FROM:Pexels.com Wildfires continue to blaze through Chiang Mai, leading the local authority yesterday to declare three additional districts as disaster zones. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324472-chiang-mai-declares-more-districts-as-disaster-zones-amid-wildfires/

Wildfires continue to blaze through Chiang Mai, leading the local authority yesterday to declare three additional districts as disaster zones. These districts, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, and Chai Prakarn, have joined Fang and Phrao districts, which were declared disaster areas on April 4. The provincial governor has cited the fatigue of initial firefighters and soldiers as a significant obstacle in suppressing the fires. Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn expressed the need for more firefighters in Chiang Mai and hoped that the declaration of additional disaster zones would enable government agencies to utilise their budgets to combat the fires. Despite the severe air pollution caused by the wildfires, the governor has been unable to declare Chiang Mai an emergency assistance zone due to the absence of Ministry of Finance regulations permitting the release of funds for such situations. The Pollution Control Department’s Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation yesterday, April 7, reported that PM2.5 levels in 36 northern provinces, including Chiang Mai, have surpassed the safe threshold of 37.5 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³). The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) identified nine provinces with levels ranging between 78.9 and 126.1 µg/m³. Chiang Mai topped the list with a reading of 126.1 µg/m³, followed by Chiang Rai (113.3 µg/m³), Phayao (108 µg/m³), Nan (104.5 µg/m³) and Mae Hong Son (104 µg/m³). In a concerning development, IQAir rated Chiang Mai as having the world’s worst air quality when the level reached 190 µg/m³ at 2.10pm. GISTDA also reported 1,279 hot spots in the North, including 100 in rice and cornfields. Although the situation remains dire, Dr Piamlap Saengsayan, head of the pulmonary medicine department of the Central Chest Institute of Thailand, reassured the public yesterday that there is no definitive evidence linking PM2.5 to lung cancer. However, he acknowledged that prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution could lead to cancer in any part of the body. This is due to the body’s natural response to PM2.5 particles, which involves the production of free radicals that react with cells, causing inflammation, which can lead to cancer. Also, Dr Piamlap explained further that there is no clear evidence that PM2.5 is the main cause of lung cancer. However, studies have shown that cells in any part of the body can become cancerous if exposed to high levels of pollution for a long time. by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA:icon0 com FROM:Pexels.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-09 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe