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Picture courtesy of Khaosod A Hong Kong mafia figure linked to a drug dispute killing has been arrested in Pattaya, where he was hiding with his Thai girlfriend. Collaboration between Thai and Hong Kong authorities led to his capture. On 1 April, Thailand’s Immigration Bureau, alongside Hong Kong Interpol, announced the arrest of a key suspect wanted for murder. The incident dates back to 16 March when a Hong Kong resident was fatally attacked in Shatin, Kowloon, due to a drug trafficking disagreement. The suspect, known as Mr. Truong, 25, fled to Thailand after the murder. Hong Kong authorities issued a warrant for Truong, and communicated with Thai officials to track and apprehend him. Following this, the Thai Immigration Bureau began proceedings to revoke his residency. Investigations revealed Truong's hideout in a rented residence in Pattaya. Thai officers moved in on 27 March, finding him living with his Thai girlfriend. He was subsequently detained and his stay permit was revoked, pending deportation back to Hong Kong. On 31 March, Hong Kong Interpol Chief Ken Lam Wing Ho personally thanked Thai law enforcement for their cooperation and efforts in apprehending Truong. Thailand’s Immigration Bureau reminds property owners to report foreign tenants to avoid fines and emphasises its ongoing crackdown on cross-border crime. Any suspicious activities should be reported to the immigration offices or via their official website. Based on a story by Khaosod -- 2025-04-02

Thailand Urged to Certify Hotel Safety Amid Post-Quake Tourism Concerns Photo courtesy of Thairath In the wake of recent earthquakes, private sector organisations are pressing the Thai government to issue safety certifications for hotels to boost tourist confidence. Tourism and Sports Minister Suwang Theinthong recently discussed these matters with various stakeholders, fearing a potential decline in tourist numbers due to the seismic events. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356442-thailand-urged-to-certify-hotel-safety-amid-post-quake-tourism-concerns/

Police Inspector Arrested in Thailand’s 2 Million Methamphetamine Pills Bust Picture courtesy of Matichon In northeast Thailand, a police inspector was apprehended for his involvement in a major drug trafficking operation. The sting operation, conducted by Region 3 police along Route 24 in the Nong Bunnak district of Nakhon Ratchasima, thwarted the transport of two million methamphetamine pills. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356453-police-inspector-arrested-in-thailand’s-2-million-methamphetamine-pills-bust/

Parking Chaos in Pattaya Ignites Local Outrage Over Vanishing Pavements Pictures courtesy of Pattaya Mail Pattaya's residents are at their wits' end as pavements across the city are being swallowed by illegally parked cars and motorbikes. With footpaths resembling more a dealership than a walkway, community members are decrying the lax enforcement that has emboldened this unruly behaviour. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356452-parking-chaos-in-pattaya-ignites-local-outrage-over-vanishing-pavements/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 2 April 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1356446-thailand-live-wednesday-2-april-2025/

Thailand's 2025 Military Draft: Pride, Dreams, and Gender Identity Picture courtesy of NBC News On the first day of Thailand's 2025 military draft in Uthai Thani Province, diverse stories unfolded against a backdrop of anticipation and tradition. At the Nong Kha Yang District Office, two young men achieved their childhood dreams, volunteering eagerly to join the military ranks as professional soldiers. Their aspirations were lauded by Colonel Prapass Klanghon as they stepped confidently into a lifelong commitment to national service. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356440-thailands-2025-military-draft-pride-dreams-and-gender-identity/

British Expat Finds Bliss in Thai Paradise, Won’t Return Home Picture courtesy of Claudia A British expat, Claudia, has exchanged the gloomy skies of the UK for the sunlit beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand, and vows to never go back. Since her move in 2023, she’s been narrating her idyllic island life to thousands on TikTok, highlighting the wonderful lifestyle and lower cost of living that Thailand offers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356411-british-expat-finds-bliss-in-thai-paradise-won’t-return-home/

Pictures courtesy of Claudia tiktok.com/@islandlifewithclaudia A British expat, Claudia, has exchanged the gloomy skies of the UK for the sunlit beaches of Koh Samui, Thailand, and vows to never go back. Since her move in 2023, she’s been narrating her idyllic island life to thousands on TikTok, highlighting the wonderful lifestyle and lower cost of living that Thailand offers. Claudia, a social media strategist originally from the UK, claims she left the UK's dreary weather, negativity, and cost-of-living woes behind. On her TikTok account @islandlifewithclaudia, she shares her daily experiences, revealing that even mundane tasks seem enjoyable under Koh Samui’s sunny skies. Claudia mentions, "In the UK, you get maybe two months of good weather a year. Here, I wake up to blue skies and go paddleboarding." Beyond the weather, Claudia has benefited from Thailand's noticeably lower expenses in outsourcing tasks. Claudia amazes followers with tales of minimal household chores and has garnered attention with a video seen over 300,000 times detailing tasks she outsources—cleaning, laundry, and cooking—showing the ease and affordability found in this tropical setting. She explains hiring household help costs between 440 and 880 baht (£10-£20) for a full clean, providing more time for business pursuits. Such lifestyle choices have sparked conversation on her platform. While some viewers praise the freedom, others have criticised the ease at which she lives. However, Claudia argues, "It's not lazy—it's smart. I use the extra time to scale my business," reinforcing the idea that outsourcing is not just about convenience but supports the local economy. Claudia’s experience mirrors others like her from the UK. Another British expat, Celine Diffin, moved to Vietnam for similar reasons, also enjoying a reduced cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle. The Diffins pay just 19,000 baht (£432) monthly for accommodation with affordable dining options. As more Brits consider moving east for better living conditions, Claudia’s Thai adventure remains blissful, with no intention of retreating to UK shores. Her message resonates: paradise and affordability await those ready to embrace change in Asia’s thriving expat communities. Based on a story by The Thaiger -- 2025-04-01

False Claim of Wife Trapped in Collapsed Building Leads to Arrest Picture courtesy of Naewna In an unusual twist, a man was seized at Mo Chit Bus Terminal after spinning a yarn about his pregnant wife being trapped under debris. Fifty-year-old Somnitch Duangnet alleged that his spouse, 23-year-old Korwipha Sonbubpha, who was supposedly four months pregnant and stuck on the fourth floor of the collapsed State Audit Office, could not be reached. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356405-false-claim-of-wife-trapped-in-collapsed-building-leads-to-arrest/

Picture courtesy of Naewna In an unusual twist, a man was seized at Mo Chit Bus Terminal after spinning a yarn about his pregnant wife being trapped under debris. Fifty-year-old Somnitch Duangnet alleged that his spouse, 23-year-old Korwipha Sonbubpha, who was supposedly four months pregnant and stuck on the fourth floor of the collapsed State Audit Office, could not be reached. The tale turned out to be pure fiction, prompting swift action from the authorities. Korwipha, the woman at the centre of these shocking claims, confirmed to reporters that Somnitch used her identity card without consent. The card in question had been surrendered following Korwipha’s stint at a shopping centre in the Rama 9 area in 2019. Her family was initially terrified after hearing the fabricated story, only finding relief once reassured of her safety. Disturbed and confused by the misuse of her identity, Korwipha reported the incident to Bang Sue Police Station, citing no previous relationship with Somnitch. With the details unraveling, police swiftly detained Somnitch at Mo Chit Bus Terminal. Led by Police Major General Noppasin Poolsawat, the Metropolitan Police Bureau spearheaded the investigation to discern Somnitch's motives. Simultaneously, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) addressed concerns over tremors felt in Bangkok following a minor aftershock from an earlier earthquake in Myanmar. Although vibrations triggered temporary evacuations from high-rise buildings at 11.08am on the same day, the TMD reassured citizens that the aftershock posed no serious threat. In conclusion, while the fabricated claim stirred local alarm, it did not equate to immediate danger. The police swiftly took measures to address the hoax, showing commitment to maintaining public trust and safety. The day's seismic activities, although dawning initial panic, were ultimately benign according to local authorities. Based on a story by The Thaiger -- 2025-04-01

Thailand Lowers National Emergency Level to 2 After Earthquake Picture courtesy Facbook PR Thai Government The national emergency level in Thailand has been lowered from Level 3 to Level 2 just days after Friday's earthquake rocked the nation, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The adjusted classification follows an assessment stating that the situation across Bangkok and 18 affected provinces is now under control. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356399-thailand-lowers-national-emergency-level-to-2-after-earthquake/

Picture courtesy Facbook PR Thai Government The national emergency level in Thailand has been lowered from Level 3 to Level 2 just days after Friday's earthquake rocked the nation, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The adjusted classification follows an assessment stating that the situation across Bangkok and 18 affected provinces is now under control. Announced on social media, the move comes as welcome news for residents still reeling from the quake's tremors. With the immediate threat subsiding, responsibility for disaster management has now been handed to local authorities. This shift places provincial governors, including the governor of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, at the frontline of ongoing recovery efforts. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation remains active, continuing its role in providing coordination and support nationwide. Their focus will be on ensuring that communities swiftly return to normalcy while monitoring any potential hazards. Meanwhile, the decentralisation of authority is expected to streamline responses tailored to each locality's needs. Though the situation is stabilising, officials encourage vigilance and community cooperation as recovery plans unfold. This strategic response aims to equip local leaders with the tools to manage efficiently and mitigate any further risks, reflecting confidence in the country's resilience and preparedness for future events. Ultimately, this downgrade in emergency level signifies a positive stride forward, underscoring the effectiveness of disaster response measures. The challenge ahead lies in continual monitoring and support to restore affected regions fully. As Thailand navigates this path to recovery, the role of local leadership remains crucial in ensuring community safety and stability. Presently, the Thai authorities remain committed to safeguarding public welfare while guiding the nation towards recovery. Further updates from officials are anticipated as communities steadily progress towards a state of normalcy. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-01

Quake Hits Bangkok Condo Market: Sales to Plummet to 15-Year Low Bangkok. File photo for reference only In Bangkok, high-rise buildings are feeling the aftershock of a recent earthquake, with condo buyers' confidence shaken to its core. Fule story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356386-quake-hits-bangkok-condo-market-sales-to-plummet-to-15-year-low/

Thailand's Solar Power Leap: Cutting Red Tape for Factory Roofs File photo courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand's solar scene is heating up as a new government initiative speeds up solar panel installations on factory rooftops. A one-stop service centre aims to eliminate bureaucracy, paving the way for more than 72,000 factories to jump on the solar bandwagon. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356384-thailands-solar-power-leap-cutting-red-tape-for-factory-roofs/

Thailand's Earthquake Alert Failure: Senate Slams Govt Duria, who is searching for his relatives, talks on the phone after reading the sign board of number of people dead and missing after an under-construction high-rise building collapsed in an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) In the wake of Friday's Myanmar earthquake, Thailand's government faces sharp criticism from the Senate for its sluggish response that saw strong tremors barrel through the country. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356370-thailands-earthquake-alert-failure-senate-slams-govt/

Bangkok Tower Collapse: Watchdog Warned of Sub-Standard Steel Rescuers work at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, a Bangkok skyscraper has tragically collapsed, claiming at least 11 lives. An anti-corruption watchdog had previously highlighted irregularities in its construction. The Thai government swiftly launched a probe into whether sub-standard materials, particularly steel, were used. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356369-bangkok-tower-collapse-watchdog-warned-of-sub-standard-steel/

Paetongtarn's asset woes: Scandal plagues PM with new allegations Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself embroiled in another scandal as allegations surface concerning her spouse’s reported failure to declare all assets. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356367-paetongtarns-asset-woes-scandal-plagues-pm-with-new-allegations/

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia Thailand's solar scene is heating up as a new government initiative speeds up solar panel installations on factory rooftops. A one-stop service centre aims to eliminate bureaucracy, paving the way for more than 72,000 factories to jump on the solar bandwagon. This collaboration between the Energy, Interior, and Industry ministries, approved on March 27, promises to streamline the permit process, possibly revolutionizing the sector. Naruechon Dhumrongpiyawut, of Gunkul Engineering Plc, claims this could dramatically boost the photovoltaic market and sales of battery energy storage systems (BESS). BESS enables factories to store surplus solar energy, providing power even during low-sunlight hours or selling excess energy, pending approval. The current process requires navigating six state agencies, often delaying solar panel approvals for six months or more. Treerat Sirichantaropas, CEO of New Energy Plus Solutions Co, is optimistic, envisioning more factories leaving behind costly grid power. He foresees increased revenues for his company, following last year's earnings of 200 million baht. Meanwhile, Pattaya City is pushing its green agenda, aiming to become a low-carbon tourism hub. Pattaya's mayor, Poramet Ngampichet, supports solar power and clean energy solutions to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With these forward-thinking initiatives, Thailand may be on the brink of a renewable energy boom, boosting its clean energy profile one factory rooftop at a time. The implications for factories are profound, as they could soon swiftly transition to renewable energy sources, enhancing sustainability across the nation. Based on a story by The Thaiger -- 2025-04-01

Bangkok. File photo for reference only In Bangkok, high-rise buildings are feeling the aftershock of a recent earthquake, with condo buyers' confidence shaken to its core. Damages found in many condos have homeowners worried, causing experts to predict a slump in condo sales and transfers to levels not seen since 2010. Industry professionals are bracing for the worst quarter for condo activity in over a decade. Phattarachai Taweewong from Colliers Thailand reports that potential buyers and existing condo owners are hesitant, impacting sales for high-rise units. Buyers with pending transfers are expected to delay as they assess the post-earthquake safety of buildings. New condo sales in April-June 2025 could hit a new low, following the previous low of 19 billion baht in mid-2024. Looking at supply, 31.4 billion baht worth of condos in Greater Bangkok are scheduled for transfer by mid-2025. This compares to a 33 billion baht transfer scheduled in early 2025, with both numbers well below the peak of 85.9 billion baht seen in late 2024. With a substantial unsold inventory of 458.4 billion baht, the market is flooded with options for wary buyers. However, the silver lining lies in the low-rise housing market. These homes, seen as safer investments, are predicted to see stable or increased sales. Surachet Kongcheep from Cushman & Wakefield notes that confidence in condos will take time to rebuild, and developers are urged to focus on safety reassurances. Comprehensive safety inspections and certifications are critical to restoring trust. Developers may face a wave of cancellations, especially for new transfers. Many are delaying new project launches and marketing efforts until the market stabilises. As the property market navigates these uncertain times, the emphasis remains on building safety and consumer confidence. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-01

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra finds herself embroiled in another scandal as allegations surface concerning her spouse’s reported failure to declare all assets. The controversy centres on the failure to report a hefty 1.6 million baht cash profit from corporate shares sold by husband Pitaka Suksawat. This omission could lead to possible legal actions and has already sparked intense media scrutiny. The potential fallout could be severe. A formal petition might soon be lodged with the Constitutional Court to impeach Paetongtarn if these allegations hold water. This echoes the fate of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was dethroned due to similar indiscretions. Being the daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, her political ties invite additional attention to her administration and its moral standing. Further complicating matters, Paetongtarn faces questioning over an eye-watering 218 million baht in allegedly evaded tax. This figure relates to 4.4 billion baht in corporate share profits supposedly linked to promissory transactions with her family. People’s MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn has urged Thailand's Revenue Department to dive deeper, considering accusations of potential tax evasion strategies attributed to her leadership. As the dust settles, the saga around Paetongtarn’s alleged asset concealments could have larger implications for her political career and public perception. Whether these charges materialise into formal sanctions remains to be seen, yet the ripple effect has undeniably intensified scrutiny over her and her administration. How this impacts her premiership and future leadership credibility will be closely observed by political analysts and the public alike. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-04-01

Rescuers work at the site of an under-construction high-rise building that collapsed after an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, a Bangkok skyscraper has tragically collapsed, claiming at least 11 lives. An anti-corruption watchdog had previously highlighted irregularities in its construction. The Thai government swiftly launched a probe into whether sub-standard materials, particularly steel, were used. Last week's 7.7 magnitude quake, centred in Myanmar, shook neighbouring countries, with the skyscraper, designed for Thailand's State Audit Office, being the sole casualty in Bangkok. Rescuers are urgently searching for 76 individuals feared trapped under the debris of the unfinished 30-storey structure, whose construction began in 2020. The project, a collaboration between Italian Thai Development PCL and China's China Railway Number 10 (Thailand) Ltd, faced serious delays. It was originally due for completion by 2026 but was only 30% complete. The watchdog's site inspections during its construction flagged potential corner-cutting, worker shortages, and severe delays, leading the government to consider canceling the contract earlier this year. Finance Minister Akanat Promphan, overseeing the investigation, raised concerns about possible use of sub-standard steel, a suspicion currently under scrutiny. An extensive examination of materials is underway, with initial results expected shortly. In a recent crackdown, the ministry shut down seven steel factories, seizing assets worth approximately 360 million baht. China's Ambassador to Thailand affirmed China's cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, experts from Thailand's council of engineers speculated that the disaster might be due to either poor material quality or inadequate planning. The collapse notably contrasts with the stability of other structures in the region, highlighting a significant mystery. The official inquiry into the incident's root cause is expected to deliver findings within a week, as authorities work urgently to understand this architectural tragedy. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-01

Duria, who is searching for his relatives, talks on the phone after reading the sign board of number of people dead and missing after an under-construction high-rise building collapsed in an earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, March, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) In the wake of Friday's Myanmar earthquake, Thailand's government faces sharp criticism from the Senate for its sluggish response that saw strong tremors barrel through the country. Senator Romsit Wiriyasan catalysed the debate, highlighting the chaos of evacuations, traffic jams obstructing rescue workers, and delayed warning messages as evidence of weak crisis management. His urgent motion aims to prompt a comprehensive Upper House discussion, with recommendations set to follow for governmental and agency improvements. Pol Gen Maj Romsit aired grievances over the absence of a decisive government leader during the crisis. Senator Wutthipong Pongsuwan emphasised the lack of progress in emergency planning since the 2004 tsunami, urging for more regular disaster drills. Furthermore, the senator stressed the necessity of accelerating the 'cell broadcast service' for warning dissemination via mobile phones—improvements seen as crucial to managing future crises. Senator Nantana Nantavaropas drew comparisons to past calamities, bemoaning the repetitive inadequacy of government communication. The collapse of the State Audit Office's new building highlighted structural issues demanding investigation—a point underscored by Sen Premsak Piayura, questioning accountability within state agencies. Following these criticisms, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened a crisis meeting on Monday, pulling in major telecom operators like Advanced Info Service and True Corporation. Discussions centered on SMS alerts, exploring their viability as part of a proactive disaster response program. Despite SMS not being a primary alert channel, the PM pushed for improved message reach, with True Corporation's Chakkrit Urairat explaining current dissemination challenges. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation's initial text alert, sent over an hour after the quake, triggered further scrutiny. This message, dispensed to millions in multiple batches, elicited demands for swifter delivery. Looking ahead, PM Paetongtarn called for expanded alert capacity well beyond the current 200,000-user limitation, expecting future solutions to include nationwide cell broadcast advancements by mid-2024. Ultimately, while steps towards refining Thailand’s disaster alert infrastructure are underway, the stir in the Senate underscores national calls for rapid reform and enhanced readiness—a sentiment resonating beyond this latest seismic episode in Myanmar. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-01

NBTC Chairman Faces Criticism Over Delayed SMS Quake Alerts in Bangkok File photo for reference only A member of Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has openly criticised Chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck, blaming him for delays and failures in SMS earthquake alerts following the powerful tremors felt in Bangkok on Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356322-nbtc-chairman-faces-criticism-over-delayed-sms-quake-alerts-in-bangkok/

Parliament Prepares to Debate Thailand's Entertainment Complex Bill File photo for reference only Thailand is gearing up for a critical parliamentary debate on the entertainment complex bill, expected to take centre stage by April 9. The bill, approved by the Cabinet on March 27, is set to be deliberated in the House, as confirmed by chief government whip Wisut Chainarun. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356326-parliament-prepares-to-debate-thailands-entertainment-complex-bill/

Police Bust Illegal Poker Operation in Koh Samui, Arrest Five Photo courtesy of MGR online Over the past weekend, authorities from Bo Phut Police Station, alongside Surat Thani Immigration officials, conducted a successful raid on an illegal gambling operation in Koh Samui. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356336-police-bust-illegal-poker-operation-in-koh-samui-arrest-five/