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Fighting overweight and obesity Obesity is a major public health problem, both internationally and in Thailand. In 2022, according to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity. Between 1990 and 2022, the obesity rate more than doubled among adults and quadrupled among children and adolescents worldwide. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324411-fighting-overweight-and-obesity/

Obesity is a major public health problem, both internationally and in Thailand. In 2022, according to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity. Between 1990 and 2022, the obesity rate more than doubled among adults and quadrupled among children and adolescents worldwide. In Thailand, obesity is continuing to rise. A study in 2022 revealed the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the country had reached 47.8%, increasing from 34.7% in 2016. Thailand had the second highest proportion of overweight and obesity in ASEAN after Malaysia. And the number of people who are overweight or obese increases every year. When it comes to losing weight, many people don’t understand the importance of nutrition, making it difficult to attain their goals. Some are confused about eating less to lose weight and what constitutes proper nutrition. To help them lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way, Thai PBS World talked to Assoc. Prof. Chaowanee Chupeerach, deputy director of Mahidol University’s Institute of Nutrition about the benefits of good nutrition and how it can help people lose weight. Good nutrition supports weight loss, she stressed. The first step is for people to find out if they are a healthy weight. One of the most common ways to measure obesity is the body mass index (BMI), a value derived from the weight and height of a person. According to the BMI score for Asia, normal weight is between 18.5-22.9, overweight is between 23-24.9 and obese is over 25. “If your BMI reading falls into the overweight category, that means you have an energy imbalance,” Chaowanee said, adding that the imbalance is generated by unhealthy dietary consumption and inadequate levels of physical activity. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Couple Arrested in Patong with 4,000 Meth pills By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –A Thai couple was arrested with 4,045 methamphetamine pills and nine grams of crystal methamphetamine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324410-couple-arrested-in-patong-with-4000-meth-pills/

Patong –A Thai couple was arrested with 4,045 methamphetamine pills and nine grams of crystal methamphetamine. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that on Friday (April 5th) they arrested Mr. Jaruphon ‘Gao’ Jitjamnong from Ranong and Ms. Ananya ‘Fern’ Khunpitak, 28, from Nakhon Pathom. They were arrested at a rental room on the Pisit Gorranee Road and a rental room on the 50 Road in Patong. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Myanmar seeks permission to land aircraft in Tak Photo shows a Myanmar aircraft at Tak airport last night. The Myanmar government has requested permission from the Thai government for its aircraft to land at an airport in Tak province to pick up its senior military officers, who escaped from Myawaddy, which was seized by the opposition last night. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324409-myanmar-seeks-permission-to-land-aircraft-in-tak/

The Myanmar government has requested permission from the Thai government for its aircraft to land at an airport in Tak province to pick up its senior military officers, who escaped from Myawaddy, which was seized by the opposition last night. Myawaddy, which was the largest government-controlled military camp in Myanmar, is located across the border from Mae Sot district in Thailand. The request for landing permission, tentatively scheduled from April 7 to 9, was made through the Thai Foreign Ministry. If granted, 617 Myanmar nationals, including 67 military officers, 410 non-commissioned officers and 81 family members, will board the aircraft back to the capital. Photo shows a Myanmar aircraft at Tak airport last night. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Airports Ramp Up for Songkran Travel Spike by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - As Thailand prepares for the Songkran festival, its international airports are gearing up for an expected surge in travelers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324408-airports-ramp-up-for-songkran-travel-spike/

BANGKOK (NNT) - As Thailand prepares for the Songkran festival, its international airports are gearing up for an expected surge in travelers. The Transport Ministry estimates a 28.50% increase in passengers, with around 2.61 million people projected to travel through these airports. International travelers are also set to rise by 46% to 1.65 million, and domestic passengers are expected to increase by 6.59%, reaching about 962,362. The festival period is expected to see a total of 15,113 flights, up 16.71% from last year, with 8,682 international and 6,431 domestic flights scheduled. Major hubs, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports have made extensive preparations to accommodate the anticipated passenger volumes. Various initiatives have been implemented to improve the travel experience amidst the heavy traffic. These include offering free parking in certain areas and promoting the use of self-service kiosks for faster check-in and baggage processing. Airports of Thailand (AOT) said it is keeping a close watch on operations to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. The State Railway of Thailand has also modified its ticket reservation system to better meet the high demand expected during Songkran, extending the period for advance bookings. Through these measures, the Transport Ministry has expressed confidence in smoothly managing the increase in travel activity while prioritizing the safety and convenience of all travelers. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bangkok Prepares for Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok is charging ahead with plans to host the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, a grand celebration of the Thai New Year, from April 11 to 15. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324407-bangkok-prepares-for-maha-songkran-world-water-festival-2024/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Bangkok is charging ahead with plans to host the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, a grand celebration of the Thai New Year, from April 11 to 15. The festival, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, promises a range of fun activities along Ratchadamnoen Klang road and Sanam Luang ceremonial ground. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting everyone to join in the celebrations to help safeguard and promote Thailand's rich cultural heritage. The major gathering will feature a spectacular parade led by Miss Thailand Universe 2023, Anntonia Porsild, as the Songkran Goddess. The parade, showcasing representations from 16 provinces and Thailand's soft power, including an LGBTQ parade, will move through Ratchadamnoen Klang road. Attendees can look forward to a wide range of activities featuring concerts by renowned artists such as 4Eve, Milli, FHero, and Bodyslam. The festival also offers a diverse selection of food through various food trucks, alongside beautiful light decorations, installation art, and cultural performances at Sanam Luang. A special highlight of the celebration is the dancing fountain show, towering over 20 meters high. This is complemented by an EDM zone designed for dancing and unlimited water splashing. More than 1,200 drones are also set to light up the sky in choreographed patterns, adding a modern twist to the traditional festivities. The festival is scheduled to run daily from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with as many as 2,000 seats up for grabs on April 11 and 12, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience for all attendees. For additional information, visit the official event page here. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Extended Songkran Festival Set to Boost Tourism Revenue by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is gearing up for an extended three-week Songkran festival this year, expected to significantly boost the country's tourism sector, with projected revenues reaching into the tens of billions of baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324406-extended-songkran-festival-set-to-boost-tourism-revenue/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Thailand is gearing up for an extended three-week Songkran festival this year, expected to significantly boost the country's tourism sector, with projected revenues reaching into the tens of billions of baht. Thanks to UNESCO's recognition of Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, festivities are planned across major destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya from April 1 to 21. Optimism is high for an increase in visitor numbers to Chiang Mai, spurred by an aggressive promotional campaign. The city is preparing for a longer festival period than usual, with hopes for hotel booking rates to hit 65-70% between April 12 and 16 and an average occupancy rate of 55-60% for the entire month. Pattaya is also looking forward to its unique "Wan Lai" festival, starting April 19. The festival will merge cultural traditions with modern entertainment, with promises of water fights, DJ performances, and live bands. To ensure the safety of tourists, extensive security measures are in place, and hotel bookings have significantly increased, particularly from Chinese visitors. Khao San road in Bangkok is expecting around 100,000 visitors for the Songkran festivities from April 13 to 15, permitting events to run until 9 pm. Responsible government units have been instructed to continue promoting the extended festival to draw in international tourists and to adhere to transparent communication regarding the schedule of events. In Phuket, the “Songkran Water Music Festival on the Beach 2024” and other cultural events are expected to attract scores of tourists, with hotel bookings already nearing 80% capacity. The island province expects to welcome over 264,350 visitors, generating approximately 7.04 billion baht in revenue. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that the upcoming Songkran festival will generate a nationwide revenue of 52.5 billion baht, a substantial increase from the previous year's figures. The central administration is focused on improving information dissemination to ensure visitors receive accurate details about this festival's nationwide celebrations and to enhance the overall experience for all participants. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Air Pollution Spurs Lung Cancer Spike in Northern Thailandby Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - Northern Thailand is confronting a critical public health issue, with Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces experiencing alarmingly high mortality rates from lung cancer linked to the pervasive presence of PM2.5 particles in the air. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324405-air-pollution-spurs-lung-cancer-spike-in-northern-thailand/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Northern Thailand is confronting a critical public health issue, with Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces experiencing alarmingly high mortality rates from lung cancer linked to the pervasive presence of PM2.5 particles in the air. According to Assoc Prof Chalerm Liewsisakul of Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Medicine, the last decade has seen a notable deterioration in air quality in the region, correlating with an increase in lung disease cases. Studies indicate a rapid rise in lung cancer deaths in the North, from 20.3 per 100,000 people in 2010 to 30.7 in 2019. This worrying trend highlights the critical need for immediate action to tackle air pollution and its detrimental health effects, particularly in Chiang Mai and Lampang. The data further reveals a higher incidence of lung cancer among the youth in these areas, suggesting a direct link to prolonged exposure to PM2.5 particles. Research focusing on emphysema patients in Chiang Dao, a locality known for high PM2.5 levels, shows that exposure leads to cellular changes, hinting at the potential for genetic mutations and cancer development. The adverse health impacts of PM2.5 pollution are further evidenced by a spike in respiratory problems, with serious conditions like emphysema, coronary heart disease, and strokes becoming more common during high pollution periods. An analysis by the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University also found a direct correlation between PM2.5 levels and mortality rates, with a 1.6% increase in deaths for every ten micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m³) rise in PM2.5. The faculty also confirmed the death of Prof Rawiwan Olarnratmanee, attributing her lung cancer to PM2.5 exposure. Meanwhile, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital reported that over 30,000 patients sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses early this year, doubling last year's figures. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Udon Thani luxury home ransacked by thieves by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A Udon Thani homeowner was left in shock yesterday when he returned to find his luxury home ransacked by a brazen thief. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324404-udon-thani-luxury-home-ransacked-by-thieves/

A Udon Thani homeowner was left in shock yesterday when he returned to find his luxury home ransacked by a brazen thief. Among the stolen objects are parts from a cherished Rolls-Royce inherited from the homeowner’s grandparents. The incident, which took place in the Soi Jintakam area, is currently under police investigation. Udon Thani police were alerted to a burglary at a residence in Soi Jintakam yesterday, where they discovered a scene of devastation. The homeowner, visibly shaken, led the officers through the house, showing the widespread damage. Every valuable item had been taken, and the house was left in complete disarray. In a particularly audacious act, the perpetrators had disassembled a motorcycle, taking half of it with them, and had meticulously extracted the wiring from a vintage 1977 Rolls-Royce engine, a family heirloom over 48 years old, leaving the engine behind. The homeowner, who only occasionally visits the property, was confronted with a scene of chaos. The loss, including extensive damage to the property and stolen items, was estimated to be over 500,000 baht. The homeowner also shared that six months ago, he experienced a similar incident where a mattress was stolen, suggesting the possibility of the same culprits being involved. Despite a report being filed over six months ago, the investigation had not progressed, and no arrests had been made. The homeowner speculated that at least two thieves were involved, operating with a chilling calmness, even taking the time to draw curtains to conceal their actions, reported KhaoSod. In response to the incident, police officials have begun coordinating with forensic teams to collect evidence, including fingerprints that could lead to the offenders. In related news, a theft at a gold shop in Chon Buri Province was foiled when police apprehended a 21 year old factory worker who posed as a customer to steal a gold bracelet. by Nattapong Westwood Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Chinese government awards US$4.1m for local projects in Thailand by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Pattanapong Sripiachai A robust financial boost of US$4.1 million, equivalent to 151 million baht, is being awarded by the Chinese government to 18 local projects in Thailand. This generous funding is being dispensed under the 2021 Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (MLCSF), as revealed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324403-chinese-government-awards-us41m-for-local-projects-in-thailand/

A robust financial boost of US$4.1 million, equivalent to 151 million baht, is being awarded by the Chinese government to 18 local projects in Thailand. This generous funding is being dispensed under the 2021 Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund (MLCSF), as revealed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). A total of 106 projects were put forth for consideration by government bodies and educational institutions. However, only 18 were approved for funding, as stated by Busadee Santipitaks, the MFA’s acting permanent secretary. The approved projects are all geared towards enhancing the living conditions of the Thai people, including those residing within the Mekong sub-region. The projects span across various sectors such as sustainable development, agriculture, food safety, and environmental protection. Additionally, some projects aim to speed up the economic recovery in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Among the 18 successful projects, 13 were proposed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The remaining five projects were individually submitted by the Public Health Ministry, the Industry Ministry, the Commerce Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. Notable project titles include Prospect Supply Chain for Small Battery Electric Vehicle in Lancang-Mekong Region, Strengthening the Cooperation of Traditional and Indigenous Medicine in Response to Covid-19 Pandemic in the Greater Mekong Basin and Reviving Cultural Heritage Tourism Route from Yunnan to Highland Southeast Asia. The project selection process was carried out by the Chinese embassy in Thailand, the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Chinese Finance Ministry. Busadee Santipitaks further revealed that the MLCSF this year is supporting 112 projects across six countries. These include 53 projects from China, 18 from Thailand, 14 from Myanmar, 12 from Laos, nine from Cambodia, and six from Vietnam. From 2017 to 2023, Thailand has received approximately 748 million baht from the MLCSF. Han Zhiqiang, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, stated that over 700 projects have been implemented in the Mekong River basin, with successful outcomes in various fields such as economic development. These projects have also led to improvements in income protection, water resource usage, law enforcement, and cultural exchanges, reported Bangkok Post. “Next year, China and Thailand will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their bilateral relations,” Han Zhiqiang said. “We are willing to work with Thailand to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, and to celebrate building the China-Thailand community with a shared future for enhanced stability, prosperity, and sustainability,” he concluded. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Pattanapong Sripiachai Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 8 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324402-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-8-april-2024/

Police apprehended an army lieutenant suspected of murdering a woman at a condominium in Nonthaburi. A friend was speaking to the victim on the phone as she returned home. Then heard screams when the victim entered her room, prompting her to send another friend to the condo, where the victim was found dead. Police say the 46 year old victim was found with stab wounds to the face, neck and an arm. Officers found a blood trail to another apartment where they apprehended the soldier. Police discovered over 1,000 tonnes of cadmium waste yesterday at a warehouse in Samut Sakhon. The find is part of a larger operation to trace over 3,000 tonnes of carcinogenic waste moved from Tak province. Earlier police found a haul of waste in Chonburi and arrested a Chinese national. The government is concerned at an increasing number of teenage students that have started vaping. Schools will impose stringent measures such as searches of personal items. The Department of Education will launch a campaign to raise awareness about the risks of vaping among teachers, students, and parents. Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, has approved a cruise ship terminal project at Kho Samui, The initiative is expected to cost 12 billion baht, and is expected to handle around 120 cruise ships annually with high-spending tourists, A detailed plan of the project will be submitted to the cabinet later this year. Around the region China conducted "combat patrols" yesterday in the South China Sea, the same day the Philippines, the United States, Japan and Australia held their first joint drills in the disputed waters. China issued a statement saying: "All military activities that mess up the situation in the South China Sea and create hotspots are under control," in an apparent swipe at the other drills being held in the waters. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 41C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 37C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 35C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny, winds light from the south 35 C AQI Orange High, 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 2024-04-08 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Police Seize Assets Worth 30 Million Baht from Alleged Big Biker Drug Gang By Aim Tanakorn The Narcotics Control Board (NCB) on April 5th, 2024, announced the follow-up seizure of assets worth 30 million baht from an alleged big biker drug gang that was arrested in Chiang Rai province on March 4th. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324400-thai-police-seize-assets-worth-30-million-baht-from-alleged-big-biker-drug-gang/

The Narcotics Control Board (NCB) on April 5th, 2024, announced the follow-up seizure of assets worth 30 million baht from an alleged big biker drug gang that was arrested in Chiang Rai province on March 4th. Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanurat Lakboon, NCB Secretary-General, said that the seizure was the result of an investigation following the arrest of six suspects who were allegedly caught transporting 1,890,000 methamphetamine pills hidden in the sidecars of their big bikes. The gang was led by a man named Samrit, who had been transporting drugs from Chiang Rai to customers in the central region of Thailand. The NCB worked with the Royal Thai Army, the Royal Thai Navy, and the Royal Thai Police to raid 13 locations in six provinces, including Chonburi, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Rai, Phichit, and Kamphaeng Phet. During the operation, the NCB seized from the suspects land, buildings, vehicles, gold jewelry, brand-name goods, and passbooks worth more than 22 million baht. When combined with the value of the first batch of seized assets, the total value of the assets was more than 30 million baht. By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA EXPRESS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

John Legend enjoys spring break in Phuket by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Phuket News Renowned American musician and actor, John Legend was spotted yesterday in Phuket, alongside his wife, 38 year old model and author Chrissy Teigen, and their four children. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324399-john-legend-enjoys-spring-break-in-phuket/

Renowned American musician and actor, John Legend was spotted yesterday in Phuket, alongside his wife, 38 year old model and author Chrissy Teigen, and their four children. The family is in Thailand for a spring break holiday, visiting Teigen’s mother, Vilailuck Teigen, who recently moved back to her childhood town of Korat from the United States. The family’s holiday itinerary included an array of tourist attractions on the island. First, they paid a visit to the On On Hotel, the oldest hotel in Phuket. They then indulged in the famous honey toast dish at the Phuketique restaurant in Phuket Old Town. Their adventure continued as they embarked on a boat trip to marvel at the wonders of Phang Nga Bay. The day concluded with relaxation at a private resort at Nai Thon Beach on the northwest coast of the island. John Legend, known for his hit song All Of Me, is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor. He has bagged a total of 12 Grammy Awards throughout his illustrious career. Legend also emerged as the winning coach on the singing reality competition television series The Voice in 2019. In November of the same year, he earned the title of People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, reported Phuket News. Chrissy Teigen made her professional modelling debut in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2010. Born in Utah, United States, to a Norwegian father and Thai mother, Teigen is a celebrated model and television personality. She met Legend in 2007 and they tied the knot six years later in September 2013. In related news, Phuket officials revealed their plans for the upcoming Songkran festival celebrations, with two major events scheduled to take place in Cherng Talay and Rawai. The Alive Beach On Cloud Songkran Music Festival is set to be held at the Blue Tree complex in Cherng Talay from April 13 to 15. On April 13, a merit-making ceremony and water festival will take place in Rawai. by Mitch Connor Photo courtesy of Phuket News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Hua Hin faces water rationing amidst severe drought By Online Reporter File photo The Waterworks Department of Hua Hin Municipality has announced that water supply will be rationed effective immediately, a measure that highlights the severity of the ongoing water shortage affecting the area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324398-hua-hin-faces-water-rationing-amidst-severe-drought/