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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/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 1 April 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1356344-thailand-live-tuesday-1-april-2025/

TMD Assures Safety as Minor Aftershock Felt in Bangkok High-Rises Picture courtesy of KhaoSod The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has confirmed that a minor aftershock from an earthquake in Myanmar, felt in several tall buildings around Bangkok today, poses no threat to Thailand. At 11.08 am on March 31, some residents in high-rise buildings experienced shaking, prompting temporary evacuations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356324-tmd-assures-safety-as-minor-aftershock-felt-in-bangkok-high-rises/

Drama in Pattaya: Canadian Man Found Unconscious After Heated Tiff Picture courtesy of Pattaya News In a startling case of domestic turbulence, Pattaya police quickly responded to reports of a household skirmish early yesterday morning. They found a 47-year-old Canadian national, James, sprawled unconscious amidst evidence of chaos in his home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356286-drama-in-pattaya-canadian-man-found-unconscious-after-heated-tiff/

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News In a startling case of domestic turbulence, Pattaya police quickly responded to reports of a household skirmish early yesterday morning. They found a 47-year-old Canadian national, James, sprawled unconscious amidst evidence of chaos in his home. Displaying bruises that hinted at a nasty scuffle, James required immediate first aid and CPR from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rescuers before being whisked away to the hospital. The aftermath inside the house told a grim tale. Broken items, a smashed plant pot, and strewn dishes painted a vivid picture of the violent confrontation. James' distressed Thai wife, Atcharaphan, 39, managed to offer a fragmented account of the events, indicating a serious domestic dispute had erupted. Pattaya News has shed more light on the fracas. Reportedly, the quarrel escalated when James allegedly pushed Atcharaphan, resulting in her fall and the breaking of a plant pot. In a surprising turn, James picked up a plate and hurled it before collapsing into unconsciousness. Curiously, security cameras in the home were found disconnected, leaving the incident unrecorded and shrouded in mystery. James' condition remains critical as police continue to decipher the incident’s tangled details through further questioning of Atcharaphan. The lack of surveillance footage has added an extra layer of complexity to the investigation, challenging officials in their quest to piece together the couple’s clash. In another sequence of alarming domestic incidents, Thailand has seen a streak of violent disputes. In Bo Rai, Trat, a heated exchange left a husband incapacitated following an irrational outburst of jealousy. Fortunately, his injuries were relatively minor, with no severe repercussions diagnosed. Meanwhile, a waitress in Pattaya has brought forth claims of a brutal street assault by coworkers. With accompanying video evidence, she accuses the local police of being lackadaisical in addressing her plight. Adding more drama to the region’s growing turmoil, her and her colleagues’ injuries serve as yet another reminder of Pattaya’s need for heightened vigilance in escalating personal conflicts. The spate of domestic unrest in Pattaya highlights a pressing need for focused interventions. As investigations proceed, authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth behind these distressing episodes, looking to bring clarity and justice to the tangled narratives emerging from the chaos. Based on a story by The Thaiger -- 2025-03-31

Paetongtarn Favored for PM, But People's Party Retains Poll Lead Over Pheu Thai Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at parliament before no-confidence vote against her in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) In a dramatic twist, Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Pheu Thai takes the lead as the popular choice for Thailand's next prime minister, nudging past the previous frontrunner, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356282-paetongtarn-favored-for-pm-but-peoples-party-retains-poll-lead-over-pheu-thai/

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives at parliament before no-confidence vote against her in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) In a dramatic twist, Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Pheu Thai takes the lead as the popular choice for Thailand's next prime minister, nudging past the previous frontrunner, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party. This upheaval comes courtesy of a Nida Poll conducted between March 24-27, surveying 2,000 individuals from all walks of life across Thailand. Despite her personal popularity, Paetongtarn faces a significant challenge as her party lags behind the People's Party in overall support. The poll shows Paetongtarn with 30.90% backing, credited to her policies and a desire among voters to see her succeed further. Meanwhile, Natthaphong, who earlier led the polls, now secures 22.90% support. Voters praised him for embodying a new era of transparent and honest leadership. Curiously, a notable 23.50% of respondents remain unsure of their choice for PM, indicating potential volatility in future political landscapes. On the political party front, the People's Party maintains a commanding lead with 37.10% support, showcasing its substantial sway among the public. Pheu Thai follows with 28.05%, indicating a gap despite Paetongtarn's personal popularity. Other parties trail behind, with the United Thai Nation Party at 8.75%, and the Democrat, Bhumjaithai, Thai Sang Thai, and Palang Pracharath parties attracting more modest support. The poll highlights a landscape ripe with opportunity, as undecided voters and shifting party loyalties suggest upcoming elections could swing dramatically. As Thailand edges closer to future elections, these poll results underscore both the potential and unpredictability of its political dynamics. Voter preferences for leadership and party alignment remain fluid, portraying a nation open to change yet carefully examining its options. Whether this shift indicates a trend or a temporary blip will likely be revealed as Thailand's politically-engaged populace heads towards the ballot box. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-03-31

Thai PM fumes over delayed quake warnings; demands action Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has voiced her dissatisfaction with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (PDPMD) over their sluggish response to the recent earthquake. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356279-thai-pm-fumes-over-delayed-quake-warnings-demands-action/

Picture courtesy of Thai PBS World Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has voiced her dissatisfaction with the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and the Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (PDPMD) over their sluggish response to the recent earthquake. During an emergency meeting today, she expressed her frustration over the delayed SMS alerts, noting that the 1.20pm quake was not reported to the public until more than an hour later. Pasakorn Boonyalak of the PDPMD stated that his department dispatched the first of four alert messages at 2.20pm after obtaining data from the Meteorological Department. The NBTC’s Acting Secretary-General, Trairat Wiriyasirikul, reported that their first SMS reached the public by 2.44pm, but was only accessible to roughly 200,000 mobile users initially. He explained ongoing improvements would soon allow up to three million messages to be transmitted simultaneously. The delayed response left many Bangkok residents, among others, without prompt warnings. Despite claims of over 10 million messages being sent out, several complaints emerged about the lack of alerts. Trairat assured that the first wave of alerts was directed to metropolitan areas, with subsequent notifications covering other provinces. Nonetheless, Prime Minister Shinawatra stressed that timely dissemination and widespread coverage need urgent rectification. Following the quake, an inquiry into a collapsed building in Chatuchak has been ordered. Public parks are now open 24/7 to provide temporary shelter for those affected. The Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (EXAT) confirmed all expressways, except one near Din Daeng, are operational following safety inspections ruling out quake damage. In sum, the focus is on swift improvement of the SMS alert system to better serve public safety in future emergencies. Based on a story by Thai PBS World -- 2025-03-31

Seven Days Given to Investigate Collapse of Chinese-Built High-Rise Rescuers work at the site a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, early Saturday, March 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Thailand's Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has laid down the law, calling for a quick seven-day investigation into the sudden collapse of the State Audit Office's new high-rise in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356262-seven-days-given-to-investigate-collapse-of-chinese-built-high-rise/

Earthquake Aftershock: Mental Toll on Thai Residents Calls for Support People wait at the damaged construction site of a high-rise building in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, March 29, 2025, as rescuers search for victims following its collapse after Friday's earthquake. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) Health experts are urging Thai citizens to be aware of mental health struggles following the recent earthquake's psychological aftershocks. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356261-earthquake-aftershock-mental-toll-on-thai-residents-calls-for-support/

Tragedy in Thailand: Earthquake Claims 18 Lives Amid Ruins Rescuers search for victims at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after a strong earthquake in Bangkok, Thailand, early Saturday, March 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn) A deadly tremor in Myanmar leaves its mark on Thailand, claiming at least 18 lives, with 78 missing as of Sunday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356260-tragedy-in-thailand-earthquake-claims-18-lives-amid-ruins/

Quake Jolts Thai Tourism: Rising Concerns Over Safety Rescuers use a heavy duty machine to clear the rubble in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, March 29, 2025, as they search for victims at the site of a high-rise building under construction that collapsed after Friday's earthquake. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) The recent 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar has shaken up Thailand's tourism, already wobbling under safety concerns. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356259-quake-jolts-thai-tourism-rising-concerns-over-safety/

Family's Quest for Truth: Woman's Fatal Plunge During Earthquake Picture courtesy of Daily News A family in mourning demands answers after a 28-year-old woman plunged to her death from a condominium during a tremor. The tragic fall, which occurred on Friday during an earthquake impacting Thailand and Myanmar, has left loved ones questioning safety measures and searching for justice. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356258-familys-quest-for-truth-womans-fatal-plunge-during-earthquake/

Thai Airways Offers Free Changes Amid Earthquake Chaos File photo courtesy of Wikipedia In a generous move, Thai Airways is granting their passengers fee-free changes and refunds following the recent earthquake that rocked Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356255-thai-airways-offers-free-changes-amid-earthquake-chaos/

Thai Eateries Forgo Fees as Quake Hits Hard Picture courtesy of evening_tao, Freepik Thai eateries are showing a big heart after a strong earthquake rattled several provinces on March 28, leading to the collapse of buildings in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356253-thai-eateries-forgo-fees-as-quake-hits-hard/

Bangkok Stays Calm Amid Earthquake Crisis Picture courtesy of Naewna Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has called for calm following a powerful earthquake in Myanmar that sent shockwaves across Thailand. Engineers are hard at work inspecting buildings in Bangkok, ensuring safety and stability. Around 700 buildings were reported to have cracks, prompting immediate action to assess damage. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356250-bangkok-stays-calm-amid-earthquake-crisis/

BMA Declares All 81 Bangkok Bridges Safe Post-Myanmar Quake Picture courtesy of Amarin TV In a reassuring announcement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) confirmed today that all 81 bridges and flyovers throughout the capital remain safe after the powerful earthquake in Myanmar's Mandalay rocked the region Friday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356249-bma-declares-all-81-bangkok-bridges-safe-post-myanmar-quake/

Earthquake Panic Empties Andaman Coast: Tourist Numbers Plunge Picture courtesy of Naewna The Andaman coast is seeing an exodus of tourists following last Friday's powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Trang Deputy Governor Anan Boonsamran, reports over half the visitors have vanished amid a frenzy of misleading social media posts. These claims, though unfounded, have led to widespread panic, causing visitors to cancel their plans. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356248-earthquake-panic-empties-andaman-coast-tourist-numbers-plunge/

Chinese Men Caught Removing Documents from Collapsed Building in Bangkok Composite pictures courtesy of Amarin TV In an eye-opening turn of events, four Chinese nationals were apprehended attempting to smuggle vital files from the wreckage of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1356246-chinese-men-caught-removing-documents-from-collapsed-building-in-bangkok/

Composite pictures courtesy of Amarin TV In an eye-opening turn of events, four Chinese nationals were apprehended attempting to smuggle vital files from the wreckage of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. This edifice crumbled following a powerful earthquake originating from Mandalay, Myanmar, leaving its site restricted under the Disaster Prevention Act. The incident unfolded after alert reporters flagged the suspicious activity in this disaster zone to the authorities. Bangkok Deputy Police Chief, Pol. Maj. Gen. Noppasin Poolsawat, reported that one of the culprits claimed to be the project director for the joint venture with Italian-Thai Development Plc. Authorities quickly intervened, discovering these men taking documents related to contracts, electrical engineering, and inspection requests from the site's vicinity. After verification, police seized the files, questioned the quartet, and temporarily released them after confirming their credentials and work permits. As the city grapples with the aftermath of the seismic event, the toll stands at 18 dead, 33 injured, and 78 missing. Bangkok's infrastructure battle continues, with train services largely resuming normalcy, barring the Pink Line, whilst the Expressway Authority of Thailand races to clear debris from the Din Daeng expressway for an early reopening. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Service is rolling out additional trips to ease commuter woes amidst transportation chaos. The ongoing search at the collapsed site is hampered by rubble, but hope lingers as rescue teams, bolstered by international aid, detect life signals. Eleven bodies have been uncovered, alongside 18 injured workers. Meanwhile, extensive safety checks are underway with Bangkok's authorities flooded by over 11,675 public reports concerning structural stability. Humanitarian aid is en route for distressed residents in critically affected condominiums in Chatuchak and Phra Khanong districts, with local offices working tirelessly to offer support. As rescue operations shift gears and additional resources align, officials stress the importance of property inspections, urging building owners towards swift compliance to ensure public safety. The situation remains under watch as Bangkok strives to restore normalcy amidst the tremors of calamity. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-03-31

Picture courtesy of Naewna The Andaman coast is seeing an exodus of tourists following last Friday's powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Trang Deputy Governor Anan Boonsamran, reports over half the visitors have vanished amid a frenzy of misleading social media posts. These claims, though unfounded, have led to widespread panic, causing visitors to cancel their plans. At Rajamangala Beach, Anan spoke candidly about the impact of the quake, an 8.2 on the Richter scale, which created unease throughout Thailand. He noted that his observations at Pak Meng pier support his estimate of the significant drop in tourist numbers. The issue is magnified by the spread of fake news, with netizens posting alarming, outdated images that evoke memories of the devastating 2004 tsunami. This scare has resonated with travellers, driving fears of another catastrophic event despite no current tsunami threats. The Deputy Governor criticised these "fast hands and quick hearts," who irresponsibly sow panic with their baseless, albeit eye-catching, posts. The urgency of the situation was highlighted, with Anan calling on the media to counteract the spreading of misinformation. Since the 2004 disaster, when a tsunami killed over 4,800 people in Thailand alone, any suggestion of seismic activity in the region stirs traumatic memories. The present tourism decline stands as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between tranquillity and terror in the wake of such natural events. The situation stresses the critical need for accurate communication to reassure potential visitors of their safety. The tabloid-stirred fears must be quelled to stabilise Thailand's crucial tourist economy. In summary, the Andaman coast faces a challenging situation as false reports continue spreading panic amongst tourists, leading to mass cancellations. Local officials urge clarity and honesty in reporting to restore confidence and stability in the region's vital tourism sector. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-03-31

Picture courtesy of Amarin TV In a reassuring announcement, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) confirmed today that all 81 bridges and flyovers throughout the capital remain safe after the powerful earthquake in Myanmar's Mandalay rocked the region Friday. The quake, which hit at 1.20 p.m. with a magnitude of 8.2, prompted BMA's Public Works Department to swiftly dispatch officials for thorough inspections. The result? No damage detected, ensuring Bangkokians can continue their commute undeterred. Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department reports that aftershocks persist, totalling a staggering 108 by late afternoon. The breakdown of these tremors underscores the ongoing seismic activity, with the majority being minor—registering between 1.0 and 2.9 magnitudes—occurring 24 times. However, residents remain on alert, although none of the aftershocks exceeded a magnitude of 7.0, with only one quake of this intensity recorded thus far. As further evidence of the tremors' reach, at 4.20 p.m., a 5.9 magnitude quake shook Myanmar just 176 kilometres from Thailand's Mae Hong Son province. The tremor's ripples were felt as far as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, compelling residents to steady their homes and themselves as structures shuddered and objects toppled. For now, though, Bangkok stands firm, and its bridges are declared secure. In summary, while the tremors continue, the Bangkok roadways face no threat, as confirmed by vigilant BMA inspections. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring public safety as the earth quiets once again. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-03-31

Picture courtesy of Naewna Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has called for calm following a powerful earthquake in Myanmar that sent shockwaves across Thailand. Engineers are hard at work inspecting buildings in Bangkok, ensuring safety and stability. Around 700 buildings were reported to have cracks, prompting immediate action to assess damage. A team of 130 engineers, including 100 volunteers, is diligently inspecting affected structures. Notably, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning is tasked with overseeing government buildings. Governor Chadchart mentioned that the main impact was in Bangkok's inner zones where highrise buildings are prevalent, with minimal effects in outer areas. In line with safety regulations, certain buildings such as condos, hotels, and department stores undergo annual inspections. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has a roster of building inspectors with an additional 2,600 available if needed. These measures aim to reassure the public that buildings are designed to withstand seismic events. Despite the earthquake hitting a staggering 8.2 on the Richter scale, only one incomplete building collapsed in Chatuchak. Rescue operations are underway as 15 individuals remain trapped, identified through thermal drone technology by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Approximately 700 residents, anxious about building safety, sought refuge in Bangkok's public parks overnight. Both BMA and private entities provided essentials such as food and water. Parks remain open round-the-clock today, with music and amenities offered for those seeking comfort. The Governor remains committed to ensuring safety and providing transparent updates as the situation develops. Public reassurance and quick action underline the city's resilience amid this natural disaster. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-03-31