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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. Residents will have access to public water only between the hours of 5:00 AM and 10:30 AM until further notice, following days of disrupted service across the city. In an official statement released on Saturday, April 6, the Waterworks Department explained the drastic measure: “Due to the current crisis situation, the quantity of raw water is insufficient for the Waterworks Department, Hua Hin Municipality. Therefore, we announce the water distribution schedule as follows: Water will be distributed from 05:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The Waterworks Department, Hua Hin Municipality, apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. For further inquiries, please contact 0-3251-1667.” By Online Reporter TOP: File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pickup and semi-trailer truck crash ignites blaze in Chon Buri by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A collision between a pickup truck and a semi-trailer truck today led to a fiery blaze that completely destroyed the pickup, while the truck driver and a 10 year old boy survived the incident in Chon Buri, Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324397-pickup-and-semi-trailer-truck-crash-ignites-blaze-in-chon-buri/

A collision between a pickup truck and a semi-trailer truck today led to a fiery blaze that completely destroyed the pickup, while the truck driver and a 10 year old boy survived the incident in Chon Buri, Thailand. In the early hours of the morning, a violent crash occurred on highway 331 in the Na Wang Hin district of Chon Buri province. A semi-trailer truck, bearing the registration 63-3022 Bangkok, collided with a pickup truck, engulfing the latter in flames. Emergency services, including the Swasang Het Ban Thung Hieng rescue unit and the Na Wang Hin local fire brigade, rapidly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, the first responders found the pickup truck ablaze and quickly set to work extinguishing the fire, preventing it from spreading to the overturned semi-trailer nearby. The 50 year old driver of the truck, Jinda Somsorn, recounted that he was en route to deliver goods to Buriram province from the Sahapat Group when the pickup truck abruptly pulled out from a side street, causing the collision. He managed to escape the overturned truck but the driver of the pickup had fled the scene. While the police and rescue workers were examining the accident site, a confusing situation unfolded. A group of youths, initially perceived as good samaritans, engaged in a physical altercation among themselves, prompting the rescue workers to intervene twice to quell the disturbance. Parichart, a 31 year old gas station manager who witnessed the incident, explained that one of the teenagers was mistakenly accused of being the pickup truck driver, leading to the fight, reported KhaoSod. Kittiphak Teerathanakul, a firefighter from Na Wang Hin, described the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the rapid response of his team ensured that only the pickup truck was consumed by the blaze. The police stated that they would conduct a thorough investigation with the truck driver and are awaiting the pickup driver to come forward to complete their inquiries and proceed according to the law. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai government alert over Mekong River sulphuric acid spill from Laos by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Pattanapong Sripiachai Thailand’s government is on high alert following a sulphuric acid spill in the Mekong River on the Lao border. The contamination, which took place in Laos’s Luang Prabang town, occurred when a lorry carrying over 30 tonnes of t Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324396-thai-government-alert-over-mekong-river-sulphuric-acid-spill-from-laos/

Thailand’s government is on high alert following a sulphuric acid spill in the Mekong River on the Lao border. The contamination, which took place in Laos’s Luang Prabang town, occurred when a lorry carrying over 30 tonnes of the acid toppled over, causing the hazardous substance to leak into the Nam Khan River, which flows into the Mekong. Residents in seven provinces along the Mekong River, including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani, have been instructed to vigilantly monitor the water quality. The Office of the National Water Resources predicts that the chemical will flow past Loei’s Chiang Khan district between April 8 and April 10. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, has assembled an emergency response team from the Department of Science Service. This team has been tasked with monitoring the water quality in the aforementioned provinces and assessing potential environmental impacts. “Sulphuric acid is a corrosive substance, harmful to the skin, eyes, teeth, and lungs. Severe exposure can lead to blindness and even death,” warned Dr Rungruang Kitphati, director-general of the department. He added that measures are being taken to mitigate the impact. Thai authorities have liaised with Lao officials to release water from the Xayaburi dam in Laos to dilute the chemicals and lessen the effects downstream in Thailand. Health officials are currently informing residents in the seven provinces on ways to protect themselves from the chemicals. If any contact with the contaminated water occurs, immediate medical attention is advised. The Provincial Waterworks Authority’s Nakhon Phanom office, led by director Paitoon Suthamma, confirmed that the water in the Mekong River in Nakhon Phanom remains unaffected by the contamination. “The production of water supply [from the Mekong River] has not been affected. The quality of water still meets safety standards”, reported Bangkok Post. The office will persistently monitor the water quality and keep residents updated on the situation. However, as the accident site is distant from Nakhon Phanom, precautionary measures are in place to prevent any unforeseen emergencies. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Pattanapong Sripiachai Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two Men Found Dead in Sattahip Water Treatment Pond By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Khaosod Sattahip — Two men were found dead in a water treatment pond that supplies drinking water to residents in the Sattahip district on Friday afternoon, April 5th, 2024. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324395-two-men-found-dead-in-sattahip-water-treatment-pond/

Sattahip — Two men were found dead in a water treatment pond that supplies drinking water to residents in the Sattahip district on Friday afternoon, April 5th, 2024. Police were called to the scene at 3:30 PM after a passerby reported a foul odor coming from the pond located within the Sattahip Waterworks Office. Upon their arrival, authorities found two male bodies floating in the pond. Rescue workers, who arrived later, retrieved the bodies from the pond. The bodies were decomposed and showed no signs of foul play. The victims still could not be identified at the time of reporting, but police believed they might be local fishermen who had snuck into the area to fish in the pond. Police suspected that one of the victims might have fallen into the pond, which has a sloped embankment and reportedly lacks any ability to easily get out. Subsequently, the other fisherman may have attempted to help his companion but accidentally fell in as well. Both men then likely drowned due to exhaustion. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Khaosod Full story: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Four Chinese Nationals and Two Thai People Injured in Van Crash on Pattaya Motorway By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Matichon Pattaya —A van crashed with an 18-wheeler on the Pattaya motorway early Saturday morning, injuring six people, including four Chinese tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324394-four-chinese-nationals-and-two-thai-people-injured-in-van-crash-on-pattaya-motorway/

Pattaya —A van crashed with an 18-wheeler on the Pattaya motorway early Saturday morning, injuring six people, including four Chinese tourists. The crash occurred at around 1:30 AM on April 6th, 2024, on kilometer 85+400 of the motorway in the Bang Phra sub-district of Sri Racha district, Chonburi province, heading toward Pattaya. According to reports, the van, a Toyota Commuter, was traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya when it was hit by an 18-wheel Hino truck. The impact caused the van to veer off the road and crash into a guardrail. By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Matichon Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police Raid Dice Gambling Den Near Pattaya: 15 People Arrested By Adam Judd Banglamung- In a pre-dawn operation, Nongprue law enforcement officials descended upon an illicit dice gambling establishment nestled within the heart of a forest in Chonburi Province near Pattaya. The targeted raid resulted in the apprehension of 15 suspects, who were allegedly engaged in unlawful gambling activities, Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324393-police-raid-dice-gambling-den-near-pattaya-15-people-arrested/

Banglamung- In a pre-dawn operation, Nongprue law enforcement officials descended upon an illicit dice gambling establishment nestled within the heart of a forest in Chonburi Province near Pattaya. The targeted raid resulted in the apprehension of 15 suspects, who were allegedly engaged in unlawful gambling activities. At precisely 1:06 a.m. this morning, a joint task force led by Mr. Weekit Manarojkit, the Banglamung District Chief, and Pol. Col. Thawee Kutthaeng, Superintendent of Nong Prue Police Station, executed the operation. Accompanied by administrative personnel from the Banglamung District Nong Prue Police Investigation Team, they swiftly infiltrated the casino located at a cassava farm within Soi Thung Klong in the Nong Prue Subdistrict. By Adam Judd Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two Wanted Suspects Accused of Over a Million Baht in Electronic Device Theft Arrested in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – Wanted suspects in Phetchaburi were arrested in Phuket after they allegedly stole more than 40 mobile phones and tablets worth a million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324392-two-wanted-suspects-accused-of-over-a-million-baht-in-electronic-device-theft-arrested/

Phuket – Wanted suspects in Phetchaburi were arrested in Phuket after they allegedly stole more than 40 mobile phones and tablets worth a million baht. The Region 8 Police told the Phuket Express on Sunday (April 7th) that they were notified from the Phetchaburi Police that wanted suspects in arrest warrants issued by the Phetchaburi Provincial Court for theft at night had escaped to Phuket. Police arrested Ms. Manlika Chumraksa, 26, from Prachuap Khiri Khan and Mr. Are Ree Phattharachockchai, 27, from Ratchaburi at a phone shop in the Tesco Lotus in Rassada, Phuket City. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Finnish Man Arrested in Patong for Drunk Driving By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –A Finnish motorbike rider was arrested in Patong for drunk driving. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324391-finnish-man-arrested-in-patong-for-drunk-driving/

Patong –A Finnish motorbike rider was arrested in Patong for drunk driving. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they had set up a police checkpoint on the Sawat Dirak Road. At 3:30 A.M. a suspicious male foreign motorbike rider was stopped at the police checkpoint. He was given an alcohol breath test. The test showed .114 milligrams percent of alcohol which was over the legal alcohol limit of .50. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket police raid underground gambling den, 32 arrested by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of PR Phuket A clandestine gambling establishment in Talat Yai, Phuket, was stormed by the police in the wee hours of yesterday, resulting in the apprehension of 32 individuals. The raid, orchestrated by Police Colonel Prathueng Phonmana, superintendent of Mueang Police Station, unfolded just after 12.30am at a three-storey building on Chanacharoen Road. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324390-phuket-police-raid-underground-gambling-den-32-arrested/

A clandestine gambling establishment in Talat Yai, Phuket, was stormed by the police in the wee hours of yesterday, resulting in the apprehension of 32 individuals. The raid, orchestrated by Police Colonel Prathueng Phonmana, superintendent of Mueang Police Station, unfolded just after 12.30am at a three-storey building on Chanacharoen Road. The police encountered an open-door venue, leading them to two distinct hubs of illicit gambling. The scene showcased several people engrossed in unauthorised betting around two tables. The police carried out a successful operation, apprehending both male and female gamblers, and seizing a host of items. These included two round tables, which were being used for betting, signs stipulating the rules of the games, 14 decks of cards that were already in play, and five untouched decks. A significant amount of cash was also confiscated during the operation. The raid didn’t stop on the second floor. The police extended their investigation to the third floor of the building, where they unearthed additional proof of illegal betting activities. The scene was littered with tables, cards, and cash, indicating an ongoing gambling operation. The individuals attending the tables, along with the gamblers, were rounded up and included in the total tally of 32 arrests. The police, however, did not disclose any additional details about the charges at the time of the press release. There was also no information provided regarding the nationalities of the detainees, reported The Phuket News. It was, nonetheless, confirmed that one individual, suspected of being the orchestrator of the event, was to face charges for organised gambling without permission. The crackdown on the illicit gambling operation in Phuket falls in line with the recent orders of Acting National Police Commissioner Police General Kitrat Panphet, who has mandated a nationwide clampdown on such unauthorised activities. In related news, a gambling den in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Muang district was raided, resulting in the arrest of nearly 130 people and the seizure of assets worth approximately 1 million baht. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of PR Phuket Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Speeding car crashes into Nonthaburi noodle shop; driver suspected of DUI by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Chaos erupted at a roadside noodle shop when a speeding sedan crashed into the establishment, leaving customers and the shop owner in shock. The 46 year old driver, identified as Mongkol, refused to take a breathalyzer test, citing a mouth injury as the reason. This incident took place in the late hours of yesterday on Highway 345 in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324389-speeding-car-crashes-into-nonthaburi-noodle-shop-driver-suspected-of-dui/

Chaos erupted at a roadside noodle shop when a speeding sedan crashed into the establishment, leaving customers and the shop owner in shock. The 46 year old driver, identified as Mongkol, refused to take a breathalyzer test, citing a mouth injury as the reason. This incident took place in the late hours of yesterday on Highway 345 in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province. Upon arrival at the scene, emergency services discovered a bronze-grey Toyota Vios with significant front-end damage blocking the entrance to a seafood shop. Inside the vehicle, Mongkol was found in a state of apparent intoxication. First responders administered first aid and prepared to extricate him using special equipment. However, Mongkol regained consciousness and managed to exit the vehicle unaided, albeit with apparent signs of alcohol impairment. After treating his bleeding mouth, police attempted to conduct an alcohol breath test, but Mongkol was unable to comply due to his injury. Consequently, he was transported to Pak Kret Hospital 2 for medical treatment and a blood test to determine his blood alcohol content. In the aftermath of the crash, the noodle cart was found in ruins, with ingredients and cooking utensils scattered across the ground. Additionally, two motorcycles were severely damaged, one belonging to a delivery rider and the other to the noodle shop itself. Sopha Bangyai, the 52 year old noodle shop owner, recounted that she was preparing food for two waiting customers when the sedan suddenly veered off the road and ploughed into her cart and the two motorcycles. Thankfully, she was not injured. Phuranai Longdee, a 26 year old delivery rider, shared that he had parked his motorcycle beside a table before going to order noodles. As he sat down, he witnessed the car spinning out of control from the road and striking his motorcycle before crashing into the noodle cart and another motorcycle, causing extensive damage. Following the incident, police from Chaiyapruek Station documented the scene and instructed all affected parties to file a report. The police are now awaiting the results of Mongkol’s blood test to ascertain his level of intoxication and will further discuss compensation claims with the parties involved. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand sees remarkable tourism boom in Q1 2024 by Top Picture courtesy of Ryutaro Uozumi, Unsplash Thailand experienced a remarkable tourism boom in the first quarter of 2024, with the arrival of 9.37 million international tourists, a hefty 44% surge compared to the same period in 2023. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324388-thailand-sees-remarkable-tourism-boom-in-q1-2024/

Thailand experienced a remarkable tourism boom in the first quarter of 2024, with the arrival of 9.37 million international tourists, a hefty 44% surge compared to the same period in 2023. The Tourism and Sports Ministry‘s announcement in April, revealed this significant increase, attributing it to the influx of visitors from various parts of the globe. Tourism Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol announced that this influx of tourists has been a financial windfall for Thailand, raking in a whopping 454 billion baht (US$ 12.4 billion) in revenue. The top five nations contributing to this increase were China, with 1,756,337 visitors, Malaysia, with 1,168,574 tourists, Russia, with 622,813 visitors, South Korea, with 558,873 travellers, and India, contributing 472,952 tourists. “The influx of tourists from Europe and Oceania, especially from the UK, has seen a significant surge over the past week, primarily due to the Easter holidays.” The past week welcomed a total of 644,328 international tourists to Thailand, marking a negligible drop of 6,990 or 1.07% as compared to the previous week. The daily average was tallied at 92,047 foreign tourists. The minister highlighted that the number of tourists from the UK and Malaysia rose by 44.08% and 5.03% respectively, in comparison to the previous week. However, a decline was noted in the number of tourists from India, Russia, and China, with reductions of 15.13%, 8.10%, and 5.80% respectively, reported The Pattaya News. Sudawan remains optimistic about the steady flow of tourists in the coming week, owing to several favourable factors. These include a visa waiver agreement between Thailand and China, an increase in flight frequencies by various airlines, and a visa exemption for tourists hailing from India, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan. In related news, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is anticipating a robust tourism influx from North and South America this year, with a projection of at least 1.5 million tourists – a figure that mirrors the 2019 statistics. This surge is attributed to the confluence of the Songkran celebrations and the Easter holiday in April. by Top Picture courtesy of Ryutaro Uozumi, Unsplash Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya police assure safety for Songkran festival by Top Picture courtesy of innews Pattaya’s police force made an impressive display on April 5, in a bid to assure both locals and tourists of their safety in the lead-up to the much-awaited Songkran festival. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324387-pattaya-police-assure-safety-for-songkran-festival/

Pattaya’s police force made an impressive display on April 5, in a bid to assure both locals and tourists of their safety in the lead-up to the much-awaited Songkran festival. The show of strength was led by Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, Suphaset Chokchai, who marshalled a parade of officers and volunteers through Pattaya to illustrate their readiness for the water festival. “We are working hand-in-hand with various agencies, including the Immigration Bureau, to guarantee the safety of tourists during the festival,” Suphaset announced. This multi-agency cooperation will involve setting up checkpoints at strategic locations to curb potential criminal activities. The aim is to safeguard people’s lives and properties and prevent businesses from taking advantage of tourists. In addition to this, the parade served a crucial purpose in communicating to the public and tourists the unwavering commitment of all parties. This includes the Tourist Police Bureau, the Royal Thai Police, and other related agencies, all dedicated to ensuring a secure environment for tourists. Following the parade, the officers embarked on a walk down Walking Street in South Pattaya, where they interacted with the locals and tourists. They took the opportunity to advise everyone to partake in the water festival responsibly, highlighting the importance of safety and discouraging any form of drinking and driving. This visible display of readiness by the Pattaya police force comes as part of a broader effort to ensure public safety and maintain order during the Songkran festival. It is a clear reminder of the commitment of the law enforcement agencies to not only maintaining peace and order but also ensuring that everyone has a fun and safe time during the festivities. As Thailand’s biggest and most famous festival, Songkran is a major draw for tourists, and ensuring their safety is of paramount importance, reported The Pattaya News. In Suphaset’s words, “Our priority is to prevent any forms of crime to protect people’s lives and belongings.” This commitment to safety extends to making sure that businesses operate fairly and do not exploit tourists. The parade was an important part of letting the public and tourists know about the commitment of all parties, especially the Tourist Police Bureau, the Royal Thai Police, and related agencies, to providing security for tourists. by Top Picture courtesy of innews Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM Srettha greenlights cruise ship terminal project on Samui Island Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gave his approval today to a cruise ship terminal project on Samui Island, which will be able to accommodate up to 120 cruise ships annually and generate about eight billion baht in revenue. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324386-pm-srettha-greenlights-cruise-ship-terminal-project-on-samui-island/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gave his approval today to a cruise ship terminal project on Samui Island, which will be able to accommodate up to 120 cruise ships annually and generate about eight billion baht in revenue. He also instructed the Transport Ministry to coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Surat Thani provincial administration in formulating a detailed plan for the project, for submission to the cabinet this year. The prime minister visited Samui Island today to inspect the proposed site for the terminal and to discuss the major problems of the island, like waste management, with business operators and local officials, as part of his 3-day inspection trip to Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. Srettha said that Samui Island is one of ten locations in Asia visited by cruise ships, but a number of them do not visit the island because it does not have an appropriately largeterminal. This has prompted the idea of building a terminal in Laem Hin Khom of Taling Ngam sub-district on the island. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-08 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe