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Rescue workers at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch in Wichit Municipality (DDPM-Wichit), Phuket, have been kept busy with a surge in reptile sightings. Even before the onset of the rainy season, the task of managing the movement of these creatures has become a daily routine. Yesterday, a massive python and a baby monitor lizard were captured in Soi Thepanusorn. The first call for assistance came early, at 9am, when a small monitor lizard had managed to sneak into a local’s house in Moo 4, Wichit. With the help of poles and loops, the officials successfully restrained the reptile and released it into the wild. Later in the day at 3.30pm, another call for help was made from the same area. This time, the creature was a python measuring over two metres. Similar to the previous case, the snake was safely captured and subsequently released into the wild. These reptile-related incidents have marked a busy week for the DDPM-Wichit team. The flurry of activity began on Monday when they were called to a residential area to catch a snake that had burrowed under a water tank in a resident’s yard, reported The Phuket News. DDPM-Wichit highlighted that it operates three centres that are open 24 hours a day for emergencies or if residents require assistance. These centres can be contacted to report instances like a large snake intrusion or to report wildfires. In related news, a 2-metre long crocodile weighing 30 kilogrammes sent villagers in Huay Yai Village, East Pattaya into panic as it casually sunbathed by Taklom Fishing Pond on February 4. Locals and news crews flocked to capture the unexpected visitor on video, showcasing the reptile’s playful antics and its remarkable evasive skills during capture attempts. The owner of Taklom Fishing Pond, 56 year old Kan Jantaravichian revealed that this wasn’t the first crocodile sighting in the area, with a similar incident causing concern just a year ago. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of DDPM-Wichit 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

Construction of Pink Line extension suspended for a week The Department of Rail Transport has ordered construction of the Pink Line extension to be suspended for a week, after liquid cement dropped onto the trunk and rear window of a passenger car at Impact Muang Thong Thani station. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323754-construction-of-pink-line-extension-suspended-for-a-week/

The Department of Rail Transport has ordered construction of the Pink Line extension to be suspended for a week, after liquid cement dropped onto the trunk and rear window of a passenger car at Impact Muang Thong Thani station. Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said today thathe has instructed the Rail Transport Department to ask its consultancy company to examine the operational proceduresof the contractors and to prevent such incident from reoccurring. He said that the concessionaire of the project, Northern Bangkok Monorail (NBM), will have its performance score cut for the negligence, which may negatively affect their future bidding for government projects. Full story: 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

Positive outlook for Thai tourism after mutual visa exemption with China came into force This Monday marks one month since the visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China took effect. According to Vichai Mongkolchaichawan, the vice president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the outlook is positive. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323753-positive-outlook-for-thai-tourism-after-mutual-visa-exemption-with-china-came-into-force/

This Monday marks one month since the visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China took effect. According to Vichai Mongkolchaichawan, the vice president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the outlook is positive. During the period leading up to the start of the scheme “the number of searches for Thailand tourism on Baidu for January and February, surged by 48%”, Vichai said. Most of these searches were by users in Guangdong, Zhejiang, Hunan, Shanghai and Beijing. Vichai was speaking at a forum, entitled ‘Thai – China Visa Free Scheme, Long-lasting Friendship and Prospering Economy’, hosted by the Thai-Chinese Journalists’ Association (TCJA). Full story: 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

Three Thai dishes rank in the world’s top ten best, says Tasteatlas by Top Picture courtesy of Thairath In a recent release by Tasteatlas, a renowned global food website, Thailand’s culinary prowess has been recognised once again. Three of the nation’s iconic dishes – phat kaphrao, khao soi, and phanaeng curry – have carved their place among the top 10 in the world’s one hundred best dishes list. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323752-three-thai-dishes-rank-in-the-world’s-top-ten-best-says-tasteatlas/

In a recent release by Tasteatlas, a renowned global food website, Thailand’s culinary prowess has been recognised once again. Three of the nation’s iconic dishes – phat kaphrao, khao soi, and phanaeng curry – have carved their place among the top 10 in the world’s one hundred best dishes list. Basking in third place on the Tasteatlas list is phat kaphrao, a traditional stir-fry that boasts a fusion of minced meat or seafood, holy basil, and a plethora of other ingredients, including shallots, garlic, and chilli peppers. The dish’s rich flavour profile is enhanced by soy sauce, sugar, and fish sauce. It’s typically served with rice, fried eggs, and a side of fish sauce, creating a symphony of taste that delights the palate. Further down the list, claiming the sixth spot is Khao Soi. This signature dish of northern Thailand is a delectable coconut soup, a testament to the region’s knack for combining various influences to craft a truly spectacular dish. The base of the khao soi is a mildly spicy broth that marries coconut milk with red curry paste, reported The Pattaya News. Rounding off the top 10 is the Phanaeng curry, a Thai curry variety distinguished by its thick texture and salty-sweet peanut flavour. This dish comprises meat stewed with coconut milk, curry paste, makrut lime leaves, fish sauce, and palm sugar. The choice of meat for Phanaeng curry usually spans from beef to chicken, duck, or pork, and the dish traditionally excludes vegetables. In related news, a famous northern Thai dish has been declared the world’s best soup by the foodie platform TasteAtlas.com. This was part of its list of “50 Best Soups in the World” published on July 25. The dish, called Khao Soi, includes red curry soup and meat, usually chicken, and egg noodles. It is then topped with crunchy noodles, fresh lime, pickled cabbage, shallots, and chilis. by Top Picture courtesy of Thairath 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

Blaze engulfs Sisaket building following gas cylinder explosions by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A commercial building in Sisaket province was engulfed in flames early this morning, following two explosive sounds suspected to be from gas cylinders. The blaze rapidly spread, causing chaos as firefighting teams rushed to extinguish the fire, which started at 4.10am near Luang Sumangkalaram Temple. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323751-blaze-engulfs-sisaket-building-following-gas-cylinder-explosions/

A commercial building in Sisaket province was engulfed in flames early this morning, following two explosive sounds suspected to be from gas cylinders. The blaze rapidly spread, causing chaos as firefighting teams rushed to extinguish the fire, which started at 4.10am near Luang Sumangkalaram Temple. Police officer Weerawich Sriponduan from the Sisaket City Police Station immediately attended the scene alongside disaster prevention and mitigation officers from the Sisaket Municipality and two fire engines. The fire, fueled by the hot, dry weather, quickly consumed the storage area behind the commercial building. Amidst the firefighting efforts, two explosive noises, likely from gas cylinders and electrical short circuits, were heard intermittently, prompting firefighters to intensify their efforts. Despite the intensity of the flames, the fire was brought under control within approximately 35 minutes. The incident occurred at a junction near the Luang Sumangkalaram Temple, in the heart of the city. A 33 year old local, Samart (surname withheld), witnessed the events unfolding. He reported smelling something akin to burning incense before seeing the flames behind the row of buildings. He also heard several explosions as the fire raged and quickly alerted nearby security personnel and contacted emergency services to report the fire, reported KhaoSod. The fire destroyed one building completely, while adjacent commercial properties and four parked vehicles narrowly escaped the inferno. Officer Weerawich is now leading an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire for further legal action. Samart added that the quick response of the fire brigade played a crucial role in saving approximately 12 adjoining units and the four vehicles from being consumed by the fire. In related news, a construction site fire at a condominium in the Khu Khot area of Pathum Thani province was swiftly contained, with no injuries reported, according to Noble Development Plc. The company confirmed the incident occurred on March 26 in a temporary storage area and not in residential zones, reassuring that business operations would continue as usual on March 27. 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

Thai ATPD Busts Prostitution Ring: 15 Illegal Male Myanmar Workers Arrested in Bangkok Massage Shop Raid By Kittisak Phalaharn Bangkok— On March 30th, 2024, the Thai Anti Trafficking In Persons Division (ATPD) captured 15 illegal male Myanmar workers and a Thai massage owner at the Lat Phrao shopping center in Wang Thonglang, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323750-15-illegal-male-myanmar-workers-arrested-in-bangkok-massage-shop-raid/

Bangkok— On March 30th, 2024, the Thai Anti Trafficking In Persons Division (ATPD) captured 15 illegal male Myanmar workers and a Thai massage owner at the Lat Phrao shopping center in Wang Thonglang, Bangkok. According to an ATPD report, an anonymous source reported that a massage shop secretly provided prostitution for customers. The ATPD launched an inspection and found the massage owner who was publicly identified only as Mr. Sanit and 15 male Myanmar nationals. Upon ATPD investigation, the male Myanmar workers allegedly provided massage services and secret prostitution services to male customers. 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

Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Wassana Nanuam, Unsplash Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323749-korea-aerospace-industries-proposes-to-sell-fa50-light-fighters-to-royal-thai-air-force/

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry. The pitch was made by the CEO of KAI, Kang Goo-young, during the visit of Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang to South Korea, a trip that concluded on Saturday. The Defence Ministry of South Korea invited Sutin, along with defence permanent secretary General Sanitchanok Sangkhachan, to witness the final two Korean-made T-50 advanced trainer jets due for delivery to the RTAF in August. The delegation was transported to KAI’s facility in Sacheon by a helicopter provided by the host. The RTAF has previously acquired a total of eight T-50 advanced trainer jets and six FA50 light fighters from KAI in 2015. These aircraft have been gradually delivered and commissioned at the Nakhon Sawan-based Wing 4 since 2018. Kang, in a media interaction, stated that the FA50 is a multi-role fighter that can equal the air combat capabilities of US-made F16 fighter jets but is nearly half as costly and has lower maintenance expenses. He also mentioned that the KF-21, another KAI-developed aircraft, costs merely US$80 million (2.9 billion baht) with a maintenance cost of US$14,000 per flight hour. The RTAF is preparing to retire the old F16s from 102 Squadron’s at Wing 1 and substitute them with 12 new fighter jets. For the procurement of the first four aircraft, 19 billion baht (US$ 521 million) has been allocated for the 2025 fiscal year, as per the Air Force’s White Paper. The procurement plan for the jets is likely to be presented to the cabinet on April 2, as informed by ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul, the air force commander, last week. The Air Force is currently contemplating between Sweden’s Gripen E/F and the US’s F-16 Block 70 aircraft. Military hardware Last week, Saab AB, based in Sweden, stated that its proposal to sell Gripen fighter jets to the RTAF would comply with the government’s offset policy and meet other requirements set forth by the Air Force for national capability development. Under the offset policy, countries providing new military hardware to Thailand must reciprocate by offering equal economic evaluations in bilateral trade. As per the source, with a spending plan of 19 billion baht, the RTAF can acquire eight FA50 jets. This, combined with the six FA50 jets already ordered, would provide a total of 14 jets, constituting a full squadron. During his visit, Sutin conferred with his South Korean counterpart Shin Wonsik, on topics about security and the enhancement of military cooperation in areas such as education and the defence industry. The Defence Technology Institute (DTI) and the Defence Industry and Energy Centre are expected to continue discussions on the development of the defence industry. South Korea’s Defence Ministry also expressed interest in further cooperation, including the establishment of a plant in Thailand and the transfer of technical know-how, reported Bangkok Post. Sutin and his delegation also met with Paul J LaCamera, chief of the United Nations Command (UNC), who expressed gratitude towards Thailand for its support on UN missions and lauded Thai servicemen for their commitment. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Wassana Nanuam, Unsplash 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 consumers council calls for investigation into yellow line malfunctions by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of MGR Online An urgent call for an independent examination of the Yellow Line’s recent malfunctions has been made by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC). The TCC, led by Dr Anuchar Sethasathien who presides over the transport and vehicle sub-committee, has requested that transport experts along with the Rail Transport Department and Consumer Protection Board conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents that have disrupted services since Thursday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323748-thailand-consumers-council-calls-for-investigation-into-yellow-line-malfunctions/

An urgent call for an independent examination of the Yellow Line’s recent malfunctions has been made by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC). The TCC, led by Dr Anuchar Sethasathien who presides over the transport and vehicle sub-committee, has requested that transport experts along with the Rail Transport Department and Consumer Protection Board conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents that have disrupted services since Thursday. Dr Anuchar expressed the need for a meeting to establish compensation measures for those impacted by these malfunctions. He emphasised that these investigations must consider both the rail traffic system and preventative measures to avoid any future mishaps. In an attempt to better manage such situations, Dr Anuchar suggested the creation of specific guidelines for commuters in case of rail system malfunctions. Regular drills to ensure swift response times were also recommended. He reiterated that these points should be stipulated in future monorail construction contracts to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Chalie Charoenlarpnopparut, a fellow member of the sub-committee, agreed with Dr Anuchar, stating that an investigation should be initiated to identify the root cause of these incidents. The issues led to the temporary closure of six stations along the Yellow Line on Saturday. Alterations to the train schedules between the Lat Phrao and Si Kritha stations, and from Si Iam to Samrong station, were made in response to the ongoing situation. Commuters wishing to travel to Si Kritha were advised to switch trains at Lat Phrao station. This comes after the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority’s monorail resumed limited services on Friday following an incident where parts fell from the track between the Kalantan and Si Udom stations on Thursday. The incident, while causing damage to several vehicles, did not result in any reported injuries, reported Bangkok Post. The Yellow Line’s operator, Eastern Bangkok Monorail Co Ltd (EBM), stated that an initial investigation traced the problem to a finger plate installed on the rail expansion joint that had slipped. This led to the plate and other debris falling onto the track. After resuming services on Friday with modified train frequencies, another issue arose when a track switch malfunctioned, leading to a power outage at the Hua Mak station. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of MGR Online 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

Water rationing in Krabi from April 1st Thailand’s southern tourist province of Krabi is facing a tap water crisis, forcing the waterworks authority in the Muang district, the sole distributor of tap water, to cut the supply to households and businesses, based on a zoning system, starting April 1st. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323747-water-rationing-in-krabi-from-april-1st/

Thailand’s southern tourist province of Krabi is facing a tap water crisis, forcing the waterworks authority in the Muang district, the sole distributor of tap water, to cut the supply to households and businesses, based on a zoning system, starting April 1st. An urgent meeting was held recently between Governor Somchai Harnpakdeepatima and Nutnapha Pinthong, the chief of the provincial waterworks authority, to map out a plan for coping with the water shortage and ensure the least possible impact on both tourism and households. Nutnapha said that the two main sources of raw water, the Krabi Yai Canal and the reservoir in Tap Prik sub-district, are drying up due to a prolonged lack of rain. Full story: 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

Charges against officials relating to “Tak Bai Incident” in 2004 to be filed in April Criminal charges will be filed by the end of April in Narathiwat against nine government officials, allegedly responsible for the bloody crackdown on Muslim protesters in the “Tak Bai Incident” in 20 years ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323746-charges-against-officials-relating-to-“tak-bai-incident”-in-2004-to-be-filed-in-april/

Criminal charges will be filed by the end of April in Narathiwat against nine government officials, allegedly responsible for the bloody crackdown on Muslim protesters in the “Tak Bai Incident” in 20 years ago. A network of lawyers, representing the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, the Cross Cultural Foundation, the Justice and Reconciliation Centre of Southern Provinces and the Lawyer Council of Thailand, had previously planned to file charges of illegal detention, murder and negligence on Monday, but they decided to postpone the filing until the end of April because some of their witnesses are not either ready or remain in Malaysia. The incident occurred on October 25, 2004 during a protest by some 1,500 Malay Muslims, in front of the Tak Bai district police station in Narathiwat, against the detention of six men. Full story: 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

COVID-19 outbreak at Prachuap prison results in 79 confirmed infections By Online Reporter Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong. File photo The Department of Health has announced the discovery of a COVID-19 outbreak among inmates at Prachuap prison. The Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health revealed a COVID-19 outbreak in a prison in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province after screening tests found a total of 79 infected individuals, including 70 inmates and 9 officers. Most of the infected are showing only mild symptoms and are categorised in the ‘green group’. The prison’s disease control measures involve isolating the patients for 5 days, and those at risk of severe symptoms are immediately sent to the hospital. Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 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

Mysterious Tunnel Found In Kanchanaburi, Likely Built During WWII by TNR Staff The likely World War II tunnel was found in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. Photo: Naewna RESIDENTS of Kanachanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district have discovered a mysterious tunnel that appears to have been built as a bomb shelter during World War II, Naewna newspaper said today (Mar. 31). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323745-mysterious-tunnel-found-in-kanchanaburi-likely-built-during-wwii/

by TNR Staff RESIDENTS of Kanachanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district have discovered a mysterious tunnel that appears to have been built as a bomb shelter during World War II, Naewna newspaper said today (Mar. 31). Mr. Manchai Watthanakaran and Mr. Sarawut Saisangsiriphong, residents of this district, took reporters to have a look at the tunnel believed to have been built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers when they constructed the Death Railway at the orders of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. The tunnel was found dug through the hillside about 100 metres from the roadside of Route 323. An inspection showed that this tunnel is approximately two metres wide, 1.80-1.90 metres high, and around 35 metres long. At the rear it opens up to a pristine forest and inside the air circulation is very good, it is cool and comfortable with the average temperature being 24-25 degrees Celsius. The likely World War II tunnel was found in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. Photo: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 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

to continue: Thailand Live Monday 1 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1323744-thailand-live-monday-1-april-2024/

The Covid-19 situation at Prachuap Khiri Khan prison in Thailand is set to be managed by an imminent emergency operations centre (EOC), following the identification of infection clusters. This development comes as the public health permanent secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, reported intensified surveillance in the wake of 79 confirmed Covid cases at the prison. Prachuap Khiri Khan prison manages Covid-19 with emergency operations centre by Mitch Connor | Picture courtesy of Fusion Medical Animation, Unsplash Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323743-prachuap-khiri-khan-prison-manages-covid-19-with-emergency-operations-centre/

The Covid-19 situation at Prachuap Khiri Khan prison in Thailand is set to be managed by an imminent emergency operations centre (EOC), following the identification of infection clusters. This development comes as the public health permanent secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, reported intensified surveillance in the wake of 79 confirmed Covid cases at the prison. The first infection was detected on March 27 after a 35 year old female inmate exhibiting influenza-like symptoms tested positive for Covid upon her admission to Prachuap Khiri Khan Hospital. A male inmate also returned a positive result during a screening process for a prison transfer. This led to compulsory Covid screening for all inmates and prison officials from March 28 to March 29. Of the 1,906 inmates tested, 70 were confirmed positive, while nine out of 85 prison officials were also infected. All affected individuals were isolated for five days as samples were collected for further analysis. In the country, the Department of Disease Control’s weekly report, from March 17 to March 23, revealed 630 new Covid cases and five deaths. Of these new cases, 222 presented with severe pneumonia and 74 required endotracheal intubation. The total cases and deaths for this year now stand at 6,238 and 60 respectively. Dr Yong Poovorawan, a director at the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Virology at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, predicted on Facebook that Covid infections would decline during the summer before seeing a rise again in June. According to him, the JN.1 sub-variant of the Omicron Covid variant is currently the dominant strain and does not seem to cause more severe symptoms, reported Bangkok Post. In his advice to the public, Dr Yong stated that individuals should seek Covid tests when they begin to show respiratory symptoms. Isolation is advised for those with a heavy cough or fever. Once they recover, they can return to their normal routines but they should continue to wear face masks for at least five days and practice good hygiene. by Mitch Connor File photo Dr. Opas 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