webfact

April is usually the hottest month of the year in Thailand, with the whole country experiencing high to very high temperatures. Today is no exception, with highs forecast to reach 42oC in some northern and central provinces, according to the Meteorological Department’s weather forecast. Low pressure, which is covering the northern and north-eastern regions of the country, is the cause of the hot weather, including in and around Bangkok, with hazy skies during the day. The Weatherman warns, however, of possible summer storms in north-eastern, eastern and southern-central provinces due to the southerly and south-easterly winds. Isolated thunder storms are forecast in the south and over the Andaman Sea. In the southern-central region, which includes Bangkok, maximum temperatures today are forecast to be between 38oC and 42oC, with minimum temperatures ranging from 24oC- 27oC. In the north, the heat is expected to rise to 42oC in some areas while, in north-eastern and eastern provinces, maximum temperature is forecast to be 40oC. The east coast of the southern region will be hot during the day, with a maximum temperature of 38oC, but there is a 30% chance of rain. Maximum temperatures recorded yesterday were 41oC in Muang district of Lampang, 40.5oC in Muang district of Suphan Buri and 40oC in the Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani province. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

3 year old Thai girl injured in Pink Line MRT liquid cement incident by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon A family of three narrowly avoided tragedy when liquid cement from a Pink Line MRT construction site spilt onto their sedan on Saturday. The incident damaged the car and caused injuries to a three-year-old girl. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323794-3-year-old-thai-girl-injured-in-pink-line-mrt-liquid-cement-incident/

A family of three narrowly avoided tragedy when liquid cement from a Pink Line MRT construction site spilt onto their sedan on Saturday. The incident damaged the car and caused injuries to a three-year-old girl. A Thai mother Saichol Charawatchala, shared the distressing account of her and her children’s experience on Facebook on Saturday, March 30. Saichol recalled that she and her two children were returning home after attending the Disney on Ice show at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok. While passing under the Mueang Thong Thani MRT Station construction site, an object struck her car, causing damage to both the front and rear wind widescreens. Saichol glanced back to check on her children in the rear seat, only to find them in tears. The rear windscreen had collapsed onto them, leaving them covered in shattered glass, while liquid cement had splattered across the front windscreen, rendering it impossible for her to continue driving. Thankfully, a traffic policeman promptly arrived to assist her, guiding her to safely park the car at the side of the road. With the help of a rescue team, Saichol’s two children were taken to hospital. Saichol noted that the tempered glass windows prevented more serious injuries: Her son escaped unharmed while her three year old daughter sustained a minor head injury. Saichol included a picture of her damaged BMW 520d in her post. The rear windscreen was cracked and there was a hole in the rear windscreen. Dried liquid cement covered the roof and bonnet of the car. Seven-day suspension A rescuer, Chanin Sa-ard, told Matichon that he did not see any Pink Line MRT management investigate the scene on the day of the incident. Construction workers were observed cleaning the spilt cement from the road but refused to provide any details to the rescue team, saying their manager did not allow them to speak. Saichol yesterday, March 31, shared an update that MRT management visited her at her home to offer an apology. They assured her that they would cover the repair expenses for her car and arrange for a replacement vehicle during the repairs. The incident prompted Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit to suspend construction for seven days to investigate the cause. Suriya announced that a point deduction system would be applied to the construction company for the Pink Line MRT. If the company loses too many points, it will lose a chance to work on future infrastructure projects. This incident marks the third major accident involving the Pink Line MRT. The previous incident occurred in December of last year when a 3-kilometre track collapsed, damaging three cars passing underneath a station in the Pak Kret district of Nonthaburi province. Another incident occurred in September of last year when the unfinished MRT Pink Line caused Chaeng Wattana Road to collapse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in these previous incidents. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai police arrest foreigners for fraud in Bangkok and Pattaya by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News The Thai Immigration Police Bureau (IBP) successfully apprehended two foreign nationals, originating from South Korea and Taiwan, in Pattaya and Bangkok. Both individuals were being actively pursued by their respective countries for allegations of fraud. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323792-thai-police-arrest-foreigners-for-fraud-in-bangkok-and-pattaya/

The Thai Immigration Police Bureau (IBP) successfully apprehended two foreign nationals, originating from South Korea and Taiwan, in Pattaya and Bangkok. Both individuals were being actively pursued by their respective countries for allegations of fraud. The first individual apprehended, known under the alias of Oh, is a 51 year old hailing from South Korea. He was found in a condominium situated in Nongprue, within the district of Banglamung, located in Chon Buri province. Oh was actively sought by South Korean law enforcement for fraudulent activities. Allegations suggest that he led a call centre operation based in China, primarily targeting unsuspecting victims in South Korea. It is alleged that the gang would coerce victims into transferring funds to them through calls and messages. In a shocking turn of events, within a mere fortnight, the gang managed to defraud six victims, amassing a total sum of 200 million won (5.5 billion baht). Upon the issuance of an arrest warrant by the South Korean authorities, Oh allegedly fled to Thailand and sought refuge in Pattaya. The Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police provided the IBP with information regarding Oh’s location. After a thorough investigation, the IBP managed to locate and detain Oh. Further charges were pressed against him for overstaying his visa, and he is currently held in custody at the Pattaya Police Station. The second individual arrested was identified under the alias of Meilee, a 66 year old Taiwanese national. She was located in a luxury condominium in Sukhumvit, Bangkok. Taiwanese authorities sought Meilee for her alleged involvement in fraudulent activities. Taiwanese investors It is believed that she was part of a scam that convinced Taiwanese investors to invest in Thai real estate. The scam led to 88 victims losing more than 608 million baht, according to relevant law enforcement agencies. The Department of Investigation of the Ministry of Justice of Taiwan provided the IBP with information regarding Meilee’s location. Following an investigation, the IBP managed to locate and detain Meilee. It was also discovered that she had been using a counterfeit Thai ID, as per the IBP’s report. Like Oh, Meilee was also charged with overstaying her visa and is currently held in custody at the IBP’s Immigration Division 3, reported Pattaya News. In both instances, international collaboration between law enforcement agencies led to the successful apprehension of the individuals. The case serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts by Thai authorities to uphold law and order and to ensure that the nation is not used as a refuge for those facing criminal charges in their home countries. by Top Picture courtesy of Pattaya News Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Government Cracks Down on Online Gambling: Over 25,000 Websites Blocked By Kittisak Phalaharn National—On March 31st, 2024, Ms. Kanika Aunjit, the deputy government spokeswoman, stated to the public regarding a government policy to tackle online gambling websites as major economic crimes. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323788-thai-government-cracks-down-on-online-gambling-over-25000-websites-blocked/

National—On March 31st, 2024, Ms. Kanika Aunjit, the deputy government spokeswoman, stated to the public regarding a government policy to tackle online gambling websites as major economic crimes. According to the deputy government spokeswoman, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin realized the issues of online gambling as economic crimes. The Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES) gave importance to investigating, suspending, restricting, and blocking online gambling websites nationwide. The cybercrimes caused widespread damage including identity theft, youth access, and damages to both Thai economy and society. By Kittisak Phalaharn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Sony Invests 2.57 Billion Baht in Thai Factory for Autopilot Sensors By Kittisak Phalahar PHOTO: Sony Semiconductor Solutions National—On March 30th, 2024, Thai national media reported that a large private international company, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, announced an investment of more than 2.57 billion baht to establish a manufacturing factory in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323787-sony-invests-257-billion-baht-in-thai-factory-for-autopilot-sensors/

National—On March 30th, 2024, Thai national media reported that a large private international company, Sony Semiconductor Solutions, announced an investment of more than 2.57 billion baht to establish a manufacturing factory in Thailand. The manufacturing factory was reported to be complete and open for operation by March 2025. The new Sony factory was to produce sensors used in autopilot vehicles that detect pedestrians and obstacles. Sony anticipated that the new factory would increase its production rate by up to 70% and create job opportunities for more than 2,000 positions. However, the primary manufacturing processing required a high level of expertise in Japan. In Thailand, it required a massive number of laborers to produce and modify wafers, a thin slice of a semiconductor, into microchips using manual machines. By Kittisak Phalahar PHOTO: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Pattaya Police Hunt for Underwear-Sniffing Man By Aim Tanakorn Pattaya —Pattaya police are searching for a man who has been terrorizing residents of Soi Sawang Fa 2 by stealing and sniffing their underwear. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323786-pattaya-police-hunt-for-underwear-sniffing-man/

Pattaya —Pattaya police are searching for a man who has been terrorizing residents of Soi Sawang Fa 2 by stealing and sniffing their underwear. The man, described as being in his 30s and of medium build, was seen riding a bicycle up and down the street on Tuesday, March 26th. He then stopped to allegedly sniff and steal women’s underwear from clotheslines. One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told local reporters that she has been the victim of this underwear thief several times. “I’m scared to hang my clothes outside to dry now,” she said. “I don’t know what this man is going to do with my underwear.” By Aim Tanakorn Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd to deliver data on alleged police bribery by Mitch Connor Picture of Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd (left) and Police Major Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy head of the Central Investigation Bureau, courtesy of Bangkok Post A prominent Thai lawyer is set to deliver critical data regarding alleged bribery allegations, which involve online gambling networks and the national police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, along with his spouse, to the Move Forward Party (MFP) today. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323783-lawyer-sittra-biabungkerd-to-deliver-data-on-alleged-police-bribery/

Picture of Lawyer Sittra Biabungkerd (left) and Police Major Gen Charoonkiat Pankaew, deputy head of the Central Investigation Bureau, courtesy of Bangkok Post A prominent Thai lawyer is set to deliver critical data regarding alleged bribery allegations, which involve online gambling networks and the national police chief, Torsak Sukvimol, along with his spouse, to the Move Forward Party (MFP) today. The secretary-general of the Foundation of People’s Lawyers, Sittra Biabungkerd, had previously submitted similar documents related to the case to the national police’s Anti-Corruption Division the day before. Sittra confirmed to the press that he has engaged with Police Major General Jaroonkiat Pankaew, the deputy commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, urging him to probe into a suspicious financial transaction that potentially involves high-ranking police officers, from colonels to generals. On the agenda today is a meeting with MFP leader, Chaithawat Tulathon, in Parliament to review the case and ascertain if the matter can be broached during a general debate scheduled for April 3 and 4. Sittra also indicated plans to lodge a report with Tao Poon police, accusing Pol Gen Torsak, his wife, and two purported mule account owners of money laundering. The lawyer pointed out that suspicions arose following the unearthing of a link between Pol Sen Sgt Maj Apichart Suwanphet and Pol. Lt. Col. Surakun Thansiridamrong, who are close associates of the national police chief, and the gambling networks. When asked about Pol. Gen. Torsak’s decision to withdraw a defamation lawsuit against him, Sittra commented that they might be apprehensive that I will request some significant documents. “They opted to drop the charge, hence, I will not be able to request any document through the court. “It is their right to drop the lawsuit. I will proceed with my plan to file a complaint with the police and appeal to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to promptly address the corruption.” Sittra insisted that there are no clandestine deals and that everything will follow the planned course, reported Bangkok Post. This case garnered public interest after Sittra conducted a press conference last Tuesday, claiming he could associate the national police chief and his close aides with a gambling network. He also uploaded a photograph of Pol. Gen. Torsak visiting a monk at a temple in Chachoengsao on December 17, 2022, alleging that the chief had donated substantial funds from a mule account. by Mitch Connor Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police and restaurant owner’s gun-knife duel in Udon Thani leaves both injured by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A violent confrontation erupted between a police officer and a restaurant owner in Udon Thani, resulting in both men sustaining serious injuries. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323782-police-and-restaurant-owner’s-gun-knife-duel-in-udon-thani-leaves-both-injured/

A violent confrontation erupted between a police officer and a restaurant owner in Udon Thani, resulting in both men sustaining serious injuries. The incident, which involved a gun and knife duel, occurred near a convenience store in the Non Sung Subdistrict on the evening of yesterday, March 30. The dispute reportedly began when the officer parked his vehicle in front of the restaurant, provoking the owner to brandish a knife. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered a pickup truck with flat tyres from gunfire and a pool of blood. The injured individuals were immediately transported to Udon Thani Hospital. The 55 year old police officer, Tanongsak, suffered multiple stab wounds to his torso. Meanwhile, the 71 year old restaurant owner, Sonthichai, was shot several times. According to eyewitnesses, the argument escalated when Sonthichai asked Tanongsak to move his vehicle. The refusal led to a verbal altercation and, subsequently, a physical fight. During the clash, Tanongsak fired 4 to 5 shots, while Sonthichai responded with relentless stabbing. The police secured the scene, collecting forensic evidence, including the knife and firearm involved, along with bullet casings. A volunteer rescue worker, Atthiwat Woraphat, reported that upon their team’s arrival, they found two individuals in critical condition—one shot and lying on the footpath, the other stabbed and bleeding on the road. A noodle vendor at the scene recounted hearing gunfire but was unaware of the argument’s cause. Krapsorn, Sonthichai’s wife, recalled hearing gunshots and being informed by her son, unaware of the altercation’s origin. She later found her husband injured from the shooting. Police believe the two men were acquainted but are still investigating the motive behind the incident. Deputy Police Chief Chakaj Thiemwong confirmed that the two injured parties were Tanongsak, a police officer from the Non Sung Police Station, and Sonthichai, a local. He mentioned that Sonthichai had closed his restaurant that day and was drinking in front of the establishment when the officer arrived and parked his vehicle on the street, potentially triggering the dispute. Seven 9mm bullet casings from the officer’s service weapon were found at the scene, reported KhaoSod. Both men are currently undergoing treatment at Udon Thani Hospital Centre, and police are conducting further investigations to determine the exact cause of the altercation. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Vigilant Amid Japan's "Flesh-Eating" Disease Surge by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has assured the Thai public that no instances of necrotizing fasciitis, a dangerous bacterial infection often referred to as a "flesh-eating" disease, have been reported in Thailand this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323780-thailand-vigilant-amid-japans-flesh-eating-disease-surge/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has assured the Thai public that no instances of necrotizing fasciitis, a dangerous bacterial infection often referred to as a "flesh-eating" disease, have been reported in Thailand this year. The announcement comes amidst a concerning rise in cases in Japan, where health authorities are examining the potential link between the uptick and the recent relaxation of COVID-19 precautions. The DDC highlighted the effectiveness of COVID-19 measures in also preventing such bacterial infections, noting that over 200 types of bacteria could cause necrotizing fasciitis, with Group A Streptococcus being the most prevalent. Statistics from the DDC show that Thailand witnessed a total of 106,021 cases of necrotizing fasciitis from 2019 to the end of last year, resulting in 1,048 fatalities. Despite this, the incidence rate saw a decline to 27.35 per 100,000 people in 2023, with cases typically peaking between June and July. Treatment usually involves hospital care, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery to combat the swiftly spreading infection. In monitoring diseases, Thailand’s surveillance system includes scarlet fever, a symptom of Group A Strep infection, under the Communicable Diseases Act of 2015. While scarlet fever itself is not harmful, officials said it could signal more severe conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis or toxic shock syndrome, which can be deadly without prompt treatment. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Reforestation seen as only viable smog solution Animal agriculture, not fossil fuels, is becoming the biggest driver of climate change worldwide WRITER: DAVE KENDALL The latest episode of the Bangkok Post 'Deeper Dive' vodcast explores a long-term solution to northern Thailand's chronic smog problem. Northern Thailand's chronic smog problem is usually blamed on burning crop waste, villagers burning wooded areas to pick mushrooms and vehicle emissions. The solutions, we are told, involve regulations and enforcement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323777-reforestation-seen-as-only-viable-smog-solution/

The latest episode of the Bangkok Post 'Deeper Dive' vodcast explores a long-term solution to northern Thailand's chronic smog problem. Reforestation seen as only viable smog solution Animal agriculture, not fossil fuels, is becoming the biggest driver of climate change worldwide WRITER: DAVE KENDALL Northern Thailand's chronic smog problem is usually blamed on burning crop waste, villagers burning wooded areas to pick mushrooms and vehicle emissions. The solutions, we are told, involve regulations and enforcement. But according to an increasing number of scientists and activists, the problem runs deeper and requires a worldwide solution if we are to avoid a climate catastrophe. The real issue? We have turned almost half the world's habitable land into an animal farm. In northern Thailand -- and in neighbouring areas in Myanmar and Laos -- we have cut down the forests and planted corn fed to chickens and pigs. That's a quadruple whammy for air pollution and climate change: first, we lose the trees and other biomass that absorbed the greenhouse gases. Second, burning down the forest releases tonnes of greenhouse gases. Third, growing corn requires planting and ploughing fields, and making and spreading fertiliser, all activities that burn fossil fuels and emit nitrous oxide and another powerful pollutants. Fourthly, many farmers still burn their crop waste. Most people seem aware only of the fourth, the burning of crop residues, and that is certainly a major cause. "What is affecting us most is the by-product of agricultural burning," said Dr Rungsrit Kanjanavit of Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Medicine in the documentary SMOKE: A crisis in Northern Thailand. "It doesn't make a difference whether it's forest burning or the burning of crop waste. They create small particulates that are hydrocarbon-based," he explained, referring to PM2.5. The 'curse of corn' For environmental activist Michael Shafer, corn is the primary cause of northern Thailand's pollution problem. "The smoke problem in Chiang Mai province results largely from farmers burning their maize waste," he told the Bangkok Post. "Some of the smoke originates in Myanmar, but likely from the fields of Thai companies. Maize, raised for animal feed by huge agricultural products companies, has resulted in the deforestation of large areas and the destruction of habitat, biodiversity and watershed." "Corn is really the issue here in Thailand. Animals eat corn… And more than half of this corn ends up being grown on what is technically legally protected forest areas." Burning a cornfield, however, is just the final twist of a greenhouse gas spigot that began with deforestation to plant the corn. "It is important to look at the numbers of the decline of national forest reserves," said anti-deforestation campaigner Bunnaroth Buaklee. "Despite the status as a forest reserve, [in many places] the forest condition has disappeared." "There has also been severe forest destruction in Laos and Myanmar's Shan State," he added. "The animal feed business [is behind] the clear decline of forests in the past 10 years, both in Thailand and neighbouring countries." In fact, the problem is worldwide. The percentage of forests and grasslands cleared for agriculture was 9% in 1700 -- and 46% today. It's mostly for livestock grazing and, like in northern Thailand, growing crops like corn and soy to feed pigs and chickens. "The United Nations says that more climate change is attributable to the global meat industry than to all of the planes and trains and automobiles and trucks -- all forms of transport combined," Bruce Friedrich, director of the Good Food Institute, said in a TEDx talk. "Every environmental issues you want to look at, from the smallest and most local to the largest and most global, the inefficiencies of animal agriculture are one of the top causes." What are those inefficiencies? According to Oxford University-affiliated Our World In Data, 77% of agricultural land is used to feed and graze livestock -- yet it produces only 18% of global calories and 37% of protein. In fact, peer-reviewed academic studies show that it takes at least ten times as much fossil fuel, water and land to produce protein from animals rather than directly from the plants they eat. And because of that gross inefficiency, a full three-quarters of land now used for animal agriculture could be returned to nature if we cut out meat and dairy -- upper Southeast Asia could be reforested, and the smog levels decimated. Meat alternatives Nobody is expecting diets to completely change overnight -- especially with a dearth of competitively-priced alternatives. And that's what spurred Chiang Mai-based entrepreneur Smith Taweelerdniti into action. "I started reading many books," he said in "Thailand's burning issue", the latest episode of the Bangkok Post Deeper Dive vodcast. He found out "a lot of diseases come from eating too many animal products. So I became vegetarian. But it was quite hard". What Mr Smith found difficult about giving up meat was the lack of alternatives in most shops and restaurants. Since his family firm is a food manufacturer, however, the businessman saw the relative shortage of meat-free options in stores and restaurants as an opportunity to create the brand Let's Plant Meat. "If I can create this at the right taste and the right pricing," he said, "we're giving options to people in here, Thailand and Asia, to wean away from animal meat". Mr Smith's brand is far from the only meat alternative now available. CP Foods is blamed by some for the expanding cornfields, but the country's largest corporation has also taken steps to mitigate the problem by launching a brand called Meat Zero. Seafood conglomerate Thai Union has developed a plant-based brand called OMG Meat, and many others are available in supermarkets and some convenience stores. Mr Smith told the Bangkok Post that although sales of plant-based meat are currently down industry-wide because of the weak economy, sales on Shopee are rising and he is placing more emphasis on new meat-free versions of traditional Thai cuisine such as larb and kaphrao, particularly to Japan, where imports of meat products are restricted. For Mr Smith and a growing number of experts, the only viable long-term solution is shifting from the land-hogging, polluting inefficiencies of obtaining our nutrients from meat towards a plant-based diet that would allow global reforestation, rewilding and regeneration of the vast tracts of land laid waste by animal agriculture. "The global warming issue, the sustainability, the deforestation that come through the food that we eat… People say no to Styrofoam, say no to plastic bags," he said. "They don't know that the food they eat can also cause harm to the planet. Our diet can help the world." Source: Bangkok Post 2024-04-01 Republished with permission from the author - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 1 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323773-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-1-april-2024/

The Democrat Party has voiced opposition to the government plans to legalise casinos in entertainment complexes, The democrat mp for Nakhon Si Thammarat said casinos may bring more problems than rewards and suggested legalizing smaller traditional betting activities such as cockfighting. Adding… The government should look overseas in terms of social problems and tax revenue, noting that Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines saw their tax revenue decline and not increase after casinos were legalized. The secretary-general of the Foundation of People's Lawyers, is due to present information to the Move Forward Party today about alleged bribery involving online gambling networks, he said the same documents were given to the police Anti-Corruption Division yesterday, it’s expected that charges will be filed against a Police general, his wife and two other account owners for money laundering. The National Human Rights Commission claims delivery motorcyclists are being exploited and their companies do not adhere to labour laws. Riders were not officially hired as employees and had to bear the cost of uniforms, fuel and other expenses. They also have no say in their working conditions. The agency said When compared with overseas, some delivery companies here were operating in violation of human rights. The commission called on the Labour department to force operators to treat riders as employees. Around the region Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered his government to strengthen its coordination on maritime security to confront “a serious challenges” to territorial integrity and peace, it’s dispute with China. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, including parts that overlap with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 41C Bangkok: sunny 39C Pattaya: Sunny 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny partly cloudy 33C Hua Hin: Sunny, winds from the south east. 35 - 36C AQI yellow moderate, to 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 2024-04-01 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Economy unlikely to grow in first quarter as Thai manufacturing crumbles. Hard choices ahead by Joseph O' Connor On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin again called for the Bank of Thailand to lower its base interest rate. It came in the same week as he appeared to resurrect his short-term Digital Wallet policy. The government leader’s emphasis on populist economics conflicts with the message from the central bank. It warns that the only way for Thailand to resume substantial GDP growth is to address the country’s multitude of structural problems. At length, this also now includes an increasingly obsolete manufacturing base. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323772-economy-unlikely-to-grow-in-first-quarter-as-thai-manufacturing-crumbles/

On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin again called for the Bank of Thailand to lower its base interest rate. It came in the same week as he appeared to resurrect his short-term Digital Wallet policy. The government leader’s emphasis on populist economics conflicts with the message from the central bank. It warns that the only way for Thailand to resume substantial GDP growth is to address the country’s multitude of structural problems. At length, this also now includes an increasingly obsolete manufacturing base. The Thai economy is at a crossroads, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin continues to clash with the Central Bank as the country’s industrial base erodes. A resurgent foreign tourism sector is now supporting the economy. Future GDP growth in substantial terms requires hard decisions and long-term initiatives. The Thai economy is not expected to grow in the first quarter of 2024. At the same time, its manufacturing base continues to decline. This week saw more evidence of tension between Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. It comes as the latter resurrects his already controversial and short-term Digital Wallet plan. Despite this, the country’s foreign tourism sector continues to advance. It was a major contributor to a $2 billion current account surplus revealed on Friday. On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin again called for the Bank of Thailand to lower its base interest rate. It came in the same week as he appeared to resurrect his short-term Digital Wallet policy. The government leader’s emphasis on populist economics conflicts with the message from the central bank. It warns that the only way for Thailand to resume substantial GDP growth is to address the country’s multitude of structural problems. At length, this also now includes an increasingly obsolete manufacturing base. However, Thailand is now at a tipping point as its industrial base becomes eroded. This is happening due to technical challenges and intense competition from regional peers. Securing the country’s economic future urgently requires the government to confront chronic long-term problems. It needs the right answers and it needs them fast. Anything less than this will see Thailand become a tourist haven with an enlarged casual economy and permanently stunted growth prospects. by Joseph O' Connor Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police chief withdraws defamation case to allow a full and open probe by investigators into his affairs by James Morris and Son Nguyen At 3 O’Clock on Saturday, the President of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong (centre) and spokesman for under fire National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol (inset), announced that he had withdrawn defamation proceedings at Bangkok South Municipal Court launched the day before. It came after maverick lawyer Sittra Biebangkerd confirmed he was filing a criminal complaint against General Torsak with the police related to his massive police corruption allegations that have implicated the top cop. Mr Atchariya said General Torask welcomed the move. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323770-police-chief-withdraws-defamation-case-to-allow-a-full-and-open-probe-by-investigators/

At 3 O’Clock on Saturday, the President of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong (centre) and spokesman for under fire National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol (inset), announced that he had withdrawn defamation proceedings at Bangkok South Municipal Court launched the day before. It came after maverick lawyer Sittra Biebangkerd confirmed he was filing a criminal complaint against General Torsak with the police related to his massive police corruption allegations that have implicated the top cop. Mr Atchariya said General Torask welcomed the move. Thai Police Chief withdraws lawsuit amid corruption claims. General Torsak Sukwimol’s bold move allows a fully open police probe into his affairs. Lawyer Tum’s allegations are challenged as evidence is questioned. Torsak’s lawyers argue it was illegally obtained and is therefore inadmissible. The byzantine and disturbing police scandal grips the nation with more to be exposed. The furious battle within the Royal Thai Police which has seen it rocked to the core this week was still raging strong on Saturday. Lawyers for suspended National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol surprisingly withdrew defamation and criminal proceedings lodged on Friday against maverick lawyer Sittra Biebangkerd or Lawyer Tum. This came after Mr Sittra announced he was filing a criminal complaint with police against General Torsak. In the meantime, Torsak’s lawyer and justice activist, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong spoke out. He insisted the police chief was only showing confidence. Mr Atchariya said his client welcomed a thorough and open police investigation into his own activities. The national police scandal took another surprising twist on Saturday. It came as lawyers and representatives of the temporarily suspended police chief withdrew legal proceedings lodged on Friday in court. by James Morris and Son Nguyen Full story: Thai Examiner.com 2024-04-01 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe