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Here’s when Immigration in Hua Hin and Cha-am will be closed over Songkran By Online Reporter Prachuap Khiri Khan immigration office in Thap Thai. File photo Extended holiday closures for Immigration offices in Hua Hin, Cha-am, and across Thailand Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324116-here’s-when-immigration-in-hua-hin-and-cha-am-will-be-closed-over-songkran/

Extended holiday closures for Immigration offices in Hua Hin, Cha-am, and across Thailand Immigration offices in Hua Hin, Cha-am, and throughout Thailand will observe extended closures in April due to national holidays. The closures are set around the Chakri Memorial Day and the Songkran festival, officials confirmed. The offices will shut down over the coming weekend, April 6-7, as usual. By Online Reporter TOP: Prachuap Khiri Khan immigration office in Thap Thai. File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai ferry fire: Authorities blaze into action saving all aboard (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กระแสข่าวพัทลุง The Thai authorities successfully rescued 97 passengers and 11 crew members after a fire broke out on an overnight ferry travelling from the mainland in the southern province of Surat Thani to Koh Tao. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324115-thai-ferry-fire-authorities-blaze-into-action-saving-all-aboard-video/

The Thai authorities successfully rescued 97 passengers and 11 crew members after a fire broke out on an overnight ferry travelling from the mainland in the southern province of Surat Thani to Koh Tao. ThaiRath reported that the fire started in the engine room of the Koh Charoen 2 ferry at around 6.30 am today, April 4, when the boat was about 4 to 6 kilometres away from Koh Tao. The ferry was carrying goods and 108 people, including 97 Thai and foreign passengers, as well as 11 boat crew members. It departed from a pier in Surat Thani last night, around 11pm. The fire alert shocked and frightened passengers, leading some to flee the ferry by jumping into the sea. The fire was reported to Koh Tao Police Station officers who coordinated authorities from the relevant departments until they managed to rescue all of 108 victims. Some suffered minor injuries, mostly from smoke inhalation. Fire and smoke continued to envelop the bow of the ferry, prompting authorities to tow it to the pier on Koh Tao for extinguishing the blaze. Further investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. A similar fire incident was reported on a dive tour boat docked at Thap Lamu Pier in the southern province of Phang Nga on April 2. The entire boat was damaged and sank under the sea near the pier. Fortunately, no one was on the boat during the incident, and no injuries were reported. Another ship fire occurred at Laem Thian Pier within the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri province in March when the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) ship HTMS Chon Buri accidentally fired at another naval ship, HTMS Khirirat. The shooting caused an explosion and fire that injured 14 sailors on the ship. The accidental weapon discharge reportedly occurred due to authorities’ recklessness in following safety measures after the battleship training. Each affected sailor reportedly sustained only minor injuries. Authorities insisted that HTMS Khirirat did not sustain much damage as well. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ กระแสข่าวพัทลุง Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Big Joke still laughing: Royal Thai Police delay investigation by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thairath Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, the Deputy National Police Chief, remains in his position as the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has yet to form a committee to investigate the allegations against him, according to the acting National Police Chief, Police General Kitrat Panphet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324112-big-joke-still-laughing-royal-thai-police-delay-investigation/

Police General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn, the Deputy National Police Chief, remains in his position as the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has yet to form a committee to investigate the allegations against him, according to the acting National Police Chief, Police General Kitrat Panphet. “Strict procedures have to be followed.” Two issues require consideration. Firstly, an investigation into the allegations against Big Joke, which reportedly involves money laundering associated with the online gambling site, BNK Master. Secondly, a disciplinary charge that necessitates a committee review. Big Joke surrendered to the police to face charges on Tuesday evening, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Criminal Court. After being released on bail, he declared his innocence to the media. At present, the 53 year old is serving in an inactive post, following orders from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who also sidelined National Police Chief Torsak Sukvimol. Both senior officers have been embroiled in a longstanding feud, with public accusations regarding their involvement in illegal gambling networks being exchanged. Before suspending Big Joke, several processes need to be adhered to, stated Pol. Gen. Kitrat. He must first receive a case summary from Metropolitan Police investigators as well as Big Joke’s arrest file, which he claims to not have received yet. Additionally, the Disciplinary Division of the Royal Thai Police needs to review the reports and summarise its findings for Pol. Gen. Kitrat’s consideration. Should the Disciplinary Division find grounds for further proceedings, the acting national police chief will establish a panel to allow the accused an opportunity to prove his innocence, said Pol. Gen. Kitrat. “During the committee’s investigation process, Pol. Gen. Surachate will neither be suspended nor dismissed.” Pol. Gen. Kitrat added such a process will be initiated if the committee discovers grounds for it. “As of now, Pol. Gen. Surachate is permitted to perform his duties as usual.” He also pointed out that regulations mandate the police panel to conclude its investigation within 60 days. This time limit can be extended upon request, reported Bangkok Post. In the meantime, yesterday, lawyer and activist Sittra Biabungkerd provided information regarding financial transactions connected to illegal businesses involving three police officers, including Pol. Gen. Torsak, to Move Forward Party leader Chaithawat Tulathon. The lawyer also shared this information with the Police Complaint Review Board. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thairath Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Child swipes phone in swift snatch at Bangkok eatery (video) by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Red Panda Yakiniku Facebook Popular Bangkok restaurant Red Panda Yakiniku took to social media to share CCTV footage of a child sprinting into their establishment, stealing a mobile phone from the cashier’s counter, and fleeing. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324111-child-swipes-phone-in-swift-snatch-at-bangkok-eatery-video/

Popular Bangkok restaurant Red Panda Yakiniku took to social media to share CCTV footage of a child sprinting into their establishment, stealing a mobile phone from the cashier’s counter, and fleeing. The post is an appeal to the child’s guardians to return the stolen item. The Facebook post featured a clip showing a child dashing into the Red Panda Yakiniku branch in Bang Khae, quickly scanning the area before grabbing the mobile phone left on the counter and running out of the restaurant. The accompanying message requested the return of the phone, highlighting its sentimental and practical value to the employee, for whom the mobile phone was a significant possession, purchased by the family and containing important personal and work-related documents. The restaurant administrators, having consulted with the affected employee, assured that no legal action would be taken if the phone was returned. They even suggested that if the child’s guardians preferred to remain anonymous, they could send the phone back via mail. The server, who fell victim to the theft, has since reported the incident at the Lak Song Police Station. Efforts to reach the phone have been made, but calls to their number remain unanswered, reported Sanook. Despite the appeal for the phone’s return, netizens have criticised the child’s actions and the apparent lack of proper guidance from the guardians. The restaurant’s plea for the return of the stolen mobile phone reflects a hope for rectification and a lesson in accountability for the young individual involved. In related news, a Thai man has sought justice after a nine year old girl stole 33,400 baht from his home in Bangkok’s Nong Khaem district. Despite the young thief confessing to the police, she was not charged due to the child protection law. The victim, known as Fluke, reached out to the local news Facebook page Drama-addict to share his story with the public. He hopes that doing so will draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the need for a review of laws concerning young offenders. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Red Panda Yakiniku Facebook Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreign diver faces fine for touching whale shark in Thailand (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อรรถพล เจริญชันษา The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) fined a foreign tourist for touching a whale shark while diving at Mu Koh Surin National Park in the southern province of Phang Nga. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324110-foreign-diver-faces-fine-for-touching-whale-shark-in-thailand-video/

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) fined a foreign tourist for touching a whale shark while diving at Mu Koh Surin National Park in the southern province of Phang Nga. Drama erupted among local travel agencies in the southern provinces of Thailand after a video and pictures of a diver touching the tip of a whale shark’s tail were shared on multiple social media platforms. In the video, a group of divers can be seen trailing the whale shark from behind, with one diver extending his hand toward the animal’s tail. Another member of the group is seen pointing a finger at the first diver to warn him to stop his action. The incident reportedly occurred on March 31 at Richelieu Rock, a popular diving spot within Mu Koh Surin National Park. Thai netizens and local divers urged the travel agency responsible for the diver in the video to step forward and clarify the incident. Many criticised staff members and diving trainers for their negligence in allowing the diver to touch the animal, expressing concerns that such actions could harm both the animal and the divers involved. A Thai woman, Suparat Thoncharoenphong subsequently stepped forward to clarify that the diver who touched the whale shark was a foreign customer. She stressed that the diving trainer from her company had instructed all divers not to touch marine life before the diving trip, yet this diver ignored the caution. Suparat stated that she promptly reported the incident to the DNP, resulting in authorities imposing a fine on the diver. “I believe that no travel agencies encourage their customers to touch any marine life but it still occurred. I have never condoned wrongdoing by my customers. My travel agency has never concealed any illegal actions from the authorities either. As a diving enthusiast myself, I cannot condone such actions. Let’s work together to prevent such acts in the future.” Whale sharks are protected wild animals under Thailand’s Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, as their populations have significantly declined due to hunting for their fins. According to Section 16 of the act, hunting or any action that harms protected animals can result in imprisonment of up to four years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. The specific fine imposed on the diver has not been disclosed to the public. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ อรรถพล เจริญชันษา Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Mango madness: Online frenzy over black streaks yields revelation by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A social media user’s concern about strange black lines in a mango sparked a significant online dialogue, leading to a flurry of comments and a revelation that these lines are not harmful to humans. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324109-mango-madness-online-frenzy-over-black-streaks-yields-revelation/

A social media user’s concern about strange black lines in a mango sparked a significant online dialogue, leading to a flurry of comments and a revelation that these lines are not harmful to humans. The incident occurred today, April 4, when an individual posted a photo of some mango with black streaks to a group called Knowledge Around Us, questioning if the markings were parasites. The post quickly went viral, garnering over 18,000 likes, 2,000 comments, and 899 shares. Numerous members of the group weighed in with various explanations, ranging from the humorous to the informed. Some suggested the mango was simply beginning to rot, while others reassured that it was safe to eat. A common guess was that the lines were mango veins. One knowledgeable comment stood out, explaining that the phenomenon is known as Resin Canal Discolouration (RCD), which is not harmful to humans. Factors that increase the risk of RCD include harvesting the fruit too early, long transportation times, low oxygen conditions, and high humidity. These conditions can cause certain bacteria, similar to those found in humans but specific to plant species, to proliferate and produce phenolic substances. These substances accumulate and form dark brown, resin-like tubes within the mango’s exocarp and extend into the upper mesocarp layer. While the fibrous material can be annoying, particularly for those wearing dental braces, it poses no health risks. The discourse around the black streaks in the mango highlighted a global issue for mango traders and other fruit sellers from this family. The presence of RCD can potentially reduce the fruit’s value, especially as it becomes more visible when the fruit ripens. The social media post not only alleviated fears about the mango’s safety but also shed light on a worldwide agricultural challenge that affects the commercial value of mangoes and similar fruits, reported KhaoSod. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreigners and their overseas income: what next? By Barry Kenyon File photo for reference only. Many non-working expats are currently concerned about having to deal with more Thai bureaucracies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324106-foreigners-and-their-overseas-income-what-next/

Many non-working expats are currently concerned about having to deal with more Thai bureaucracies. More than three months after “assessable” foreign income became taxable, many of Thailand’s expats are still swimming in a sea of uncertainty. Lots of advice online, but few definite answers. Senior officers from the Revenue have said little of late, although there has been a half-promise to the Swiss ambassador in a televised interview to print the tax identification forms in English as well as in Thai. There is a view amongst some Thai lawyers that we must wait until July for clarification on nitty-gritty issues such as double taxation treaties and the tax status of pensions. By that time, some expats will have passed 180 days of minimum residence necessary for tax liability in this category. However, other specialists argue that the Revenue needs not to clarify anything. After all, formal tax law did not change on January 1 2024. There was simply the closing of a tax loophole which had enabled Thais or foreigners to delay transferring income here until a subsequent year. Will all foreigners who spend half a year or more in Thailand be required to register with the Revenue by obtaining a tin (tax identification number) and submitting the required forms? The submission deadline for the calendar year 2024 will be in the January-March quarter of 2025. Revenue spokespersons have hinted at the all-inclusive scenario, but there has not been a formal declaration. Could the tax offices cope with the rush? There are some categories of foreign tax residents who will not be liable at all this year, for example those who do not transfer ANY foreign income to Thailand in 2024 as well as holders of the 10 year Longterm Residence Visa who are exempt from declaring any foreign income in any case. The fact that you may be required to submit forms does not mean that you are, in fact, liable to pay any Thai tax. But expats won’t welcome the envisaged bureaucracy and likely registration with two tax authorities: the home country and Thailand. There is also ambiguity about the precise status double taxation treaties. A retiree, for example, might argue – and indeed prove – he or she has paid taxes on pensions in the home country. But the Revenue could argue that the retiree could use those payments as a tax credit in Thailand rather than conceding a total immunity. Everyone agrees that the revised rules about foreign income are designed to catch Thais (and foreigners) making profits from untaxed overseas businesses and foreign exchange and crypto currency trading. The problem, needless to say, could be small fish being caught in the net alongside big ones. The optimistic view about the future is that tin registration will remain voluntary as, in fact, it always has been for Thai citizens. If you think you are liable for tax, then by all means register. If you try to cheat, the newish Common Reporting System – an automatic and international exchange of the financial information of individuals to combat tax evasion and ensure compliance – will expose your dealings. But if all expats living here for half a year or so are thrown into the same pit willy-nilly, then Thai authorities can expect non-working longstay expats to become an endangered species. Imagine the note on official publicity for one year extensions or for Elite visas: “You are reminded that you are required to register with the Thai Revenue’s tax identification system if staying in Thailand more than 180 days in a calendar year.” Not exactly marketing. By Barry Kenyon TOP: File photo for reference only. -- Barry Kenyon 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Police misconduct alleged at Thai festival after brawl by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of matichon An incident at a beer garden during the Thao Suranari Victory Celebration in Nakhon Ratchasima Province turned violent, resulting in allegations of police misconduct. On the evening of April 2, a group of teenagers became embroiled in a brawl, which inadvertently implicated an innocent bystander. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324104-police-misconduct-alleged-at-thai-festival-after-brawl/

An incident at a beer garden during the Thao Suranari Victory Celebration in Nakhon Ratchasima Province turned violent, resulting in allegations of police misconduct. On the evening of April 2, a group of teenagers became embroiled in a brawl, which inadvertently implicated an innocent bystander. A 20 year old man, Na (surname withheld), reported that he was struck in the face with the butt of a gun by an off-duty detective from the Lam Thamenchai Police Station, who mistakenly believed he was involved in the altercation. Na recounted that around 5pm, as he and his friends were enjoying the festivities, a fight broke out among another group of youths. One of the individuals involved in the fight ran towards Na’s table, leading the police to pursue and confront them. Confusion ensued, and while trying to quell the situation, a police officer drew his weapon and struck Na and his friend, causing injuries including a fractured eye socket. Na and his friends are now seeking justice, asserting their innocence, and expressing frustration over the wrongful accusation made by the police. Additionally, Kanthimas, the 44 year old mother of one of the youths, has vowed to take the matter to higher police, including the Provincial Police Region 3 commander and the National Police Office, if necessary, reported KhaoSod. The police have responded to the allegations by pledging a fair and thorough investigation. The youths who claim to have been injured by the police will be invited to provide statements to ascertain the facts. The officers involved in the incident will be questioned, and if any individual is found to have instigated the brawl, legal proceedings will be initiated. In related news, five Immigration Bureau police officers face 15 years in prison for kidnapping two Chinese men and a Thai interpreter in March last year for a ransom of 10 million baht. A Thai man who aided the corrupt police operation faces 10 years in prison. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of matichon Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

DNP denies plans to transfer Lop Buri macaques to Khao Yai by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has dismissed allegations that it plans to transfer macaques from Lop Buri to Khao Yai National Park. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the Director-General of DNP, clarified this during a media briefing on Wednesday. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324102-dnp-denies-plans-to-transfer-lop-buri-macaques-to-khao-yai/

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) has dismissed allegations that it plans to transfer macaques from Lop Buri to Khao Yai National Park. Atthapol Charoenchansa, the Director-General of DNP, clarified this during a media briefing on Wednesday. He discussed an action plan intended to manage the monkeys causing disturbances to Lop Buri residents and also mentioned the establishment of a command centre dedicated to managing the monkey situation. Atthapol confirmed that between March 25 and March 27 and April 1 and April 3, 37 macaques were captured by a unit of the DNP. These monkeys are currently held at a facility in Tambon Pho Kao Ton in the Mueang district of Lop Buri. He assured that all captured monkeys are receiving adequate care and are sterilized before being transported to the facility. The Director-General refuted any claims about the relocation of the captured macaques to Khao Yai National Park in Prachin Buri. He suggested that such rumours might have originated from a misunderstanding. The captured monkeys are temporarily held at the Wildlife Rescue Centre No. 1 in Nakhon Nayok, which is within the periphery of Khao Yai National Park, possibly leading to confusion. Additionally, Phadet Laithong, Director of the DNP’s Wildlife Conservation Office, indicated that the department plans to move approximately 800 macaques from Lop Buri’s Mueang district to the macaque facility in Tambon Pho Kao Ton. This relocation forms the initial phase of the primate management plan. This phase will be implemented in three stages, with the first scheduled between April 18 and 20 and the final stage commencing in May, reported Bangkok Post. The second phase of the plan will see the remaining 1,500 macaques captured and transferred to the facility, following the construction of new cages. Phadet also hinted at the possibility of relocating some monkeys to a different location. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drunken monk in Bangkok detained for lewd acts, heavy metal amulets (video) by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of tabasphoto TikTok Bangkok’s bustling streets witnessed a bizarre incident recently when a 62 year old man was detained by police for inappropriate behavior. The incident occurred at 7.30pm yesterday, April 3, when Bangkaew police officers from Samut Prakan province were alerted to a man, clad in monk’s robes, exhibiting drunken behaviour and leering at women’s breasts and buttocks in Kingkhaew Market. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324098-drunken-monk-in-bangkok-detained-for-lewd-acts-heavy-metal-amulets-video/

Bangkok’s bustling streets witnessed a bizarre incident recently when a 62 year old man was detained by police for inappropriate behavior. The incident occurred at 7.30pm yesterday, April 3, when Bangkaew police officers from Samut Prakan province were alerted to a man, clad in monk’s robes, exhibiting drunken behaviour and leering at women’s breasts and buttocks in Kingkhaew Market. Upon confronting Supoj Daengkrachang, police were met with violence as he threw a punch at the officer, leading to a scuffle that required additional police backup and assistance from locals to restrain him. Once subdued, Supoj was transported to the police station for further investigation. At the station, a body search revealed an arsenal of iron rings of various sizes, a belt modified from a door hinge, and several other modified metal objects worn all over his body, including his genitalia. Supoj explained that the metal trinkets were amulets meant to protect against black magic and to prevent his genitals from swinging against his legs. The removal of these metal objects posed a challenge, requiring the Ruamkatanyu Foundation to send a team with specialised cutting tools. After nearly an hour, the team successfully removed the metallic array, which collectively weighed almost 10 kilograms. The incident began when police sergeant Sekson Chidnok was patrolling the market and was informed by concerned citizens about the man’s suspicious behaviour. Lieutenant Colonel Natthapong Makcharoen, deputy inspector of Bangkaew Police Station, stated that the apprehension of Supoj followed these reports, reported KhaoSod. Supoj claimed to be a monk from a forest temple in Chon Buri province and had been ordained for several years. The authenticity of his monastic status and the legality of his actions are currently under investigation by the police. In related news, a violent Thaimonk struck a local woman with the lid of his alms bowl, leaving the victim with four stitches to her head. The monk’s thuggish attack was reportedly prompted by the woman’s delay in helping him pack his food offerings. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of tabasphoto TikTok Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand explores extending emergency coverage to foreign tourists by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The possibility of extending the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) programme to safeguard foreign tourists is being explored by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324095-thailand-explores-extending-emergency-coverage-to-foreign-tourists/

The possibility of extending the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (UCEP) programme to safeguard foreign tourists is being explored by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the National Institute for Emergency Medicine. This move comes in the wake of a rising number of injuries among tourists, primarily due to road and water accidents. The proposal to include foreign tourists under the purview of emergency medical services across Thailand was initiated by Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. A blueprint is currently awaited from the Public Health Ministry, as part of the government’s strategy to enhance safety measures, thereby promoting Thailand as a major tourism hub in the coming year. A case that triggered widespread media attention was the denial of admission by a private hospital to a Taiwanese tourist who had sustained severe injuries in a car crash in December. Up until the end of March this year, the country has witnessed 128 tourist injuries and 64 fatalities. The permanent secretary’s office of tourism revealed that road accidents accounted for 82 injuries. The majority of deaths, totalling 18, were due to water accidents, primarily recreational, followed by 15 fatalities on the road, 12 health-related deaths, and two suicides. The year 2023 saw 400 tourists injured and 185 deaths. According to Sudawan, incorporating foreign tourists into the UCEP scheme would bolster their safety. This would supplement the existing aid programme that covers injuries or deaths of foreign tourists, offering compensation of up to 1 million baht (US$ 27,300) in case of death and 500,000 baht (US$ 14,000) for injuries. The scheme has been operational from January 1 to August 31, with the government having set aside 50 million baht (US$ 1.4 million) for it. The actual amount of compensation to be proposed for extending the scheme from September will be decided after evaluating the trial period. By March, the scheme had disbursed around 2 million baht (US$ 55,000) in compensation to eligible tourists. Tourist safety An anonymous executive from the Tourism and Sports Ministry highlighted that some of these injury issues are interlinked with other ministries. For instance, the Commerce Ministry should regulate car and motorcycle rental shops registered under it. There have been cases of non-compliance with the law by some operators, such as not demanding a driving license before renting a vehicle or not providing insurance to tourists. Additionally, some tourists overlook safety rules, especially not wearing helmets while riding motorcycles, reported Bangkok Post. Concerns regarding tourist safety have been raised by several governments, including Saudi Arabia, which expressed concern over the high incidence of motorcycle accidents among Saudi tourists, particularly those aged between 20 and 35, in Phuket and Pattaya. by Alex Morgan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-04 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 4 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324092-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-4-april-2024/

The Leader of the Move Forward Party said his party would submit a written defense to the Constitutional Court following yesterdays decision by that Court to accept a case seeking the party’s dissolution. The Election Commission alleged that Move Forward had violated the law governing political parties by carrying out election campaigns with the aim to amend the so-called lese majeste law. The Move forward party leader said the court’s decision would not affect his party during a two-day debate against the government which started yesterday. The Supreme Court yesterday upheld a 12-year prison sentence, without suspension, for a 57-year-old woman who stole 24 million baht from her 86-year-old sick mother. She used her mother's fingerprint to enable hundreds of small withdrawals from her savings account dating back to 2017. A new survey by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation claims, 88% of foreign tourists would support an alcohol ban during Songkran celebrations. 90 percent think that banning the sale of alcohol at Songkran venues could also enhance public safety. The Preserve Hua Hin Group announced this years HUA HIN Marathonwill be held on May 12th. The run aims to boost environmental protection and enhance local tourism and the economy by promoting Hua Hin as a premier wellness destination. Around the region Taiwan, yesterday's earthquake has left at least 9 people dead and over 1,000 injured with several people still missing believed trapped inside collapsed buildings. Many living along the east coast had to spend last night in tents and in shelters. Demolition work had began on 4 buildings. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 41C Bangkok: sunny 37C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 35C Phuket and the south: Sunny 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, winds light from the south 35 C AQI 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 2024-04-04 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket court to revive tourist section amid rising crime against visitors by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Achadthaya Chuenniran The Phuket Provincial Court is set to revive its tourist section in response to an increasing number of court cases involving tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324091-phuket-court-to-revive-tourist-section-amid-rising-crime-against-visitors/