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Plans for new airport in northern Thailand set to take off by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thai.News Plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, yesterday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district. Full sttory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322737-plans-for-new-airport-in-northern-thailand-set-to-take-off/

Plans are underway for a new airport construction in Phayao, a province in northern Thailand. The project, expected to cost approximately 2 billion baht, is part of a broader initiative to transform Phayao into a primary tourist destination. Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, along with his delegates, yesterday, March 18, scouted potential sites within the regions of tambon Don Si Chum and tambon Baan Tham in Dok Kham Tai district. The mobile Cabinet meeting in the province, scheduled for two days and concluding today, included this airport project on its agenda. The provincial governor, Ratthaphol Naradisorn, and over 500 local inhabitants warmly received the Cabinet ministers. The proposed Phayao Airport, under the Department of Airports (DoA)’s supervision, would occupy an area of 2,812 rai in Dok Kham Tai district, approximately 1 8kilometres from the city centre. The airport design would feature a 2.5km runway, two taxiways, and a terminal influenced by local Lanna arts, showcasing the province’s identity. The airport is projected to be fully operational in 2034, accommodating an annual average of 78,000 users until 2037 when it is expected to serve around 94,000 users annually. Currently, the project is in the phase of runway and taxiway design. Simultaneously, an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study is being conducted. The 62 year old Thai prime minister emphasised the government’s commitment to making this project a reality, asserting that enhanced connectivity is crucial for promoting tourism in less-visited cities. He assured that the government would carefully weigh the airport’s investment and economic benefits. In related discussions, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a meeting with the Provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Consultative Committee of the Upper Northern Region, which also addressed the airport project. Patchaya Jittrapantawee, the Chairperson of Phayao’s Tourism Council, confirmed that local businesses fully support the airport project. They believe it will boost tourism and assist the province in establishing itself as a healthcare hub in the northern region. Patchaya highlighted Phayao’s potential for developing medical schools and facilities for Thai and Myanmar clients, given the provision of an airport, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Thai.News Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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 gold hunter killed in landslide at mine in central Thailand by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สว่างราษฎร์ศรัทธาธรรมสถาน บางสะพาน - เม่งรุ้ง A Thai gold hunter yesterday lost his life in a landslide at a mine in the central province of Prachup Kiri Khan. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322736-thai-gold-hunter-killed-in-landslide-at-mine-in-central-thailand/

A Thai gold hunter yesterday lost his life in a landslide at a mine in the central province of Prachup Kiri Khan. Officers from Bang Saphan Police Station and the Sawang Ratsattadham Foundation rushed to the gold mine in the Ron Thong sub-district, Bang Saphan district, Prachub Kiri Khan after receiving a notification about the landslide. Locals informed the police that a Thai man, 48 year old Rung-uthai Rungsawang, was missing. According to police, the mine was more than 10 metres deep. Unfortunately, the dirt at the top of the hole collapsed while three gold miners were working, forcing them to flee for their lives. Two of the miners, Somphon and Thongduen, managed to escape safely with the help of people living near the mine. Rung-uthai, however, was able to get out in time because he was at the bottom of the hole. Rescuers spent more than five hours digging through the earth and finally found Rung-uthai around 10.30pm last night. Sadly, he was found lifeless at a depth of about 8 to 10 meters. His body was transferred to the hospital for an autopsy. Somphon and Thongduen recounted the incident to the police, detailing their gold-hunting expedition. They explained that they commenced their search around 4pm. Rung-uthai was digging dirt into buckets at the bottom of a hole, preparing for gold panning, while Somphon and Thongduen were at the top, hauling each bucket of dirt out of the hole. Somphon and Thongduen described hearing the sound of a landslide and witnessing the dirt covering Rung-uthai. Despite their efforts to dig and clear the dirt to rescue him, they became engulfed gradually. The pair informed the authorities that locals in the vicinity heard their cries for help and rushed to their aid. Although the locals provided ropes to help them climb out, they narrowly escaped death but were unable to save their friend. The Deputy Governor of Prachup Kiri Khan province, Kitipong Sookparksakun, told Naewna that the incident happened at a gold mine that was open to the public. There was not much gold left in the mine but some locals still went there in search of the precious metal. Kitipong said the mine would be closed for the foreseeable future in regards to residents’ safety. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ สว่างราษฎร์ศรัทธาธรรมสถาน บางสะพาน - เม่งรุ้ง Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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

UPDATE: Thai govt resists declaring Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite pollution by Mitch Connor The Government of Thailand has chosen not to declare Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite escalating air pollution, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The decision was largely influenced by concerns that such a declaration could negatively impact the province’s tourism industry. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322621-srettha-will-not-declare-chiang-mai-a-disaster-zone-to-protect-tourism/?do=findComment&comment=18777426

UPDATE: Thai govt resists declaring Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite pollution by Mitch Connor The Government of Thailand has chosen not to declare Chiang Mai a disaster zone despite escalating air pollution, according to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. The decision was largely influenced by concerns that such a declaration could negatively impact the province’s tourism industry. The Bangkok-born PM voiced his government’s stance on platform X, explaining that declaring the province a disaster zone would likely deter foreign tourists, particularly those whose insurance policies do not cover issues arising in disaster-stricken regions. He added that alternative solutions to the air pollution problem are being explored to minimise the impact on the economy. Moreover, the government has allocated additional funding to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to aid in combating the wildfires plaguing the region. The 62 year old Thai prime minister highlighted this as an unprecedented move, stating that the approved funding exceeds previous allocations for disaster relief. Despite the government’s efforts, criticism has been rampant due to the reluctance to label Chiang Mai a disaster zone, in light of the deteriorating air quality that has even led the province to be listed among the world’s most polluted regions. However, the government’s decision has found support among tour operators, with many opposing the disaster zone declaration given the potential implications on residents’ health. Panlop Sae Jiew, the chair of the Tourism Council of Chiang Mai, shared on Facebook that between March 1-16, over 52,000 tourists arrived in Chiang Mai, contributing over 1 billion baht to the local economy. He expressed concerns that tourism would plummet if the province were to be declared a disaster zone, while the dust pollution issue remains unresolved. The situation remains critical, with harmful PM2.5 pollutants detected in 42 provinces and all 19 Northern provinces witnessing high concentrations of fine dust particles. Mae Hong Son, in particular, has experienced a surge in air pollution due to wildfires, recording a PM2.5 concentration of 294 microgrammes per cubic metre early Monday morning, the highest in the North. Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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 man shoots friend over fake gold necklace by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 A Thai man allegedly shot his friend at the weekend in a row over money and a gold necklace in the central province of Ayutthaya. The accused reportedly offered his friend a gold necklace as collateral for a money loan but the necklace turned out to be fake so the victim refused to loan his friend the money. An argument then broke out resulting in the gunman shooting his friend. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322735-thai-man-shoots-friend-over-fake-gold-necklace/

A Thai man allegedly shot his friend at the weekend in a row over money and a gold necklace in the central province of Ayutthaya. The accused reportedly offered his friend a gold necklace as collateral for a money loan but the necklace turned out to be fake so the victim refused to loan his friend the money. An argument then broke out resulting in the gunman shooting his friend. Uthai Police Station officers arrested the 41 year old gunman, Wanchai “Phueak” Deedpin, at his home after he shot his friend, 37 year old Date, outside a house in the Uthai district of Ayutthaya province on Saturday, March 16. Date suffered serious injuries after being shot four times. An update on Date’s condition has not been reported by the police. Phueak confessed to the crime but provided confused information to the police. According to the police report, Phueak pawned a gold necklace to Date on March 15. However, Date later discovered that the gold was counterfeit and only gave Phueak 20 baht in return. Phueak told police that he returned home with 20 baht and thought it was not enough for him. He thought he should get more for his fake gold necklace and returned to Date on March 16 to ask for the accessory back. According to Phueak, Date refused to return the necklace and insulted him with vulgar language. Enraged, Phueak shot Date four times before fleeing the scene on his motorcycle. He then surrendered the weapon used in the crime, a .38 Thai-made gun, to the police. Following Phueak’s confession, the police transferred him to the hospital for further assessment of his mental health. They intend to investigate whether Phueak had previously received treatment for mental illness. Phueak has been initially charged with attempted murder and violating the Act on Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks, and Imitation Firearms. For the attempted murder charge, Phueak would face half the penalty for the intentional murder. According to Section 288 of the Criminal Laws: killing another person shall result in the death penalty, life imprisonment or imprisonment from 15 to 20 years. Details of the punishment for the other charge were not disclosed. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวเวิร์คพอยท์ 23 Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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

Kiwi brothers deny all charges, their parents speak out - Tim Newton Today - March 19 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322734-kiwi-brothers-deny-all-charges-their-parents-speak-out-tim-newton-today-march-19/

Thailand news - The story about the two New Zealand brothers and the incident with the Thai policeman rages on with the brothers remaining in custody and their parents speaking out, Thailand's deputy police chief may be suspended following a summons to answer questions over graft involving an online gambling website. Plenty of questions still remain over Thailand's defence procurements - submarines, frigates and new fighter jets, GRAB taxi gets it own booth at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, more 'rules' for the control of fires in northern Thailand while the air quality remains extremely poor, and a good summary of the 'cannabis situation' in Thailand as recreational use faces new ban.

Mid-air drama: Man’s attempted suicide on Thailand to UK flight by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Eva Air Breaking news has emerged regarding a man’s attempted suicide on a flight from Thailand to the United Kingdom on Friday. The aircraft was forced to undergo an emergency landing at a London airport after a passenger reportedly tried to take his own life in a cabin toilet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322733-mid-air-drama-man’s-attempted-suicide-on-thailand-to-uk-flight/

Breaking news has emerged regarding a man’s attempted suicide on a flight from Thailand to the United Kingdom on Friday. The aircraft was forced to undergo an emergency landing at a London airport after a passenger reportedly tried to take his own life in a cabin toilet. The EVA Air BR67 flight from Bangkok to London had started its descent into the capital when flight attendants became aware that someone was occupying one of the cabin bathrooms. As passengers were required to vacate the bathroom and fasten their seatbelts for the descent, crew members went to investigate the occupant’s situation, leading to a distressing discovery. An unidentified male passenger was found in a state of serious distress and had sustained injuries that prompted the cabin crew and an onboard doctor to provide immediate first aid. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was stabilised and promptly transported to a hospital upon landing. EVA Air has since confirmed the distressing incident but has not provided details regarding the extent of the man’s injuries, nor did they specify the destination airport. However, according to the aircraft tracking site FlightAware, the plane landed at Heathrow at 7.03pm local time, 17 minutes ahead of schedule. The nationality of the man involved remains unknown. Further attempts to reach EVA Air for additional comments have been made, but they have yet to respond. More news as we get it. Airline incidents frequently make headlines, whether they involve passenger fury or unexpected emergencies, like last week when an airline pilot made the news by delivering a baby mid-flight. In a tale reminiscent of a thrilling Hollywood movie, a Thai airline pilot stepped up to the plate as the heroic Bruce Willis/John McClane-type protagonist to deliver a baby after a pregnant mother went into labour on a flight from Taiwan to Bangkok. The courageous Thai pilot, Jakarin Sararnrakskul, reportedly lacked medical training beyond basic first aid but he took to his new role as a midwife like a duck to water, to deliver a beautiful baby boy. by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of Eva Air Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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 seize 10 million meth pills worth 300 million baht by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A major drug trafficking operation was thwarted when Thai police in Thailand’s Region 1 arrested two suspects for smuggling an estimated 10 million methamphetamine pills, with a market value of around 300 million baht. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322732-thai-police-seize-10-million-meth-pills-worth-300-million-baht/

A major drug trafficking operation was thwarted when Thai police in Thailand’s Region 1 arrested two suspects for smuggling an estimated 10 million methamphetamine pills, with a market value of around 300 million baht. The illicit haul was ingeniously concealed within a cement truck’s drum, highlighting the lengths to which drug syndicates will go to transport their contraband. The arrests took place yesterday, March 17, as the result of a meticulous investigation that began with a significant drug bust in Pathum Thani province. The two apprehended individuals, 33 year old Wasan and 30 year old Yospol. They were reportedly transporting the drugs from the northern region to central Thailand. Their arrest is the culmination of a coordinated effort between the police’s anti-drug task force and military intelligence from the Special Operation Unit. The suspects were using a white Hino cement truck to move the drugs and a white Honda Jazz car to reconnoitre the route and avoid police checkpoints. During the operation, the police seized not only the drugs but also the vehicles used in the illicit activity and a 9mm handgun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. Wasan confessed to driving the drugs from Phayao province to a recipient in Saraburi province, for which he would be paid 300,000 baht. Yospol, his accomplice, would receive a fee of 10,000 baht. The charges brought against them include possession of a Type 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) with intent to sell and unauthorized possession and carrying of a firearm in a public place. This successful bust represents a significant blow to the drug trade in the region, preventing a large quantity of narcotics from reaching the streets. The police intend to further investigate the network, targeting customers, commanders, and related assets, employing measures against complicity, aiding and abetting, money laundering, and asset forfeiture as part of their ongoing campaign against drug trafficking. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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

Improving Cha-am beach and other aim to position Phetchaburi as a must-visit destination By Online Reporter In recent years, Hua Hin Today has devoted increasing attention to Phetchaburi, a fascinating province that boasts a rich mix of history, culture, and a thriving culinary scene. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322730-improving-cha-am-beach-and-other-aim-to-position-phetchaburi-as-a-must-visit-destination/

In recent years, Hua Hin Today has devoted increasing attention to Phetchaburi, a fascinating province that boasts a rich mix of history, culture, and a thriving culinary scene. Just an hour’s journey from Hua Hin, Phetchaburi offers a wide variety of things to see and do for residents and tourists looking for an enriching experience beyond the familiar coastal city. This increased coverage has happened, in part, due to the concerted efforts of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phetchaburi office to spotlight the province to a wider demographic. But now the province could be set to see a further boost in tourism. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-19 - 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

Tourist Police step up security measures in Hua Hin for holiday season By Online Reporter The Tourist Police have deployed officers with the aim of bolstering confidence amongst tourists during the upcoming Thai holiday season. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322729-tourist-police-step-up-security-measures-in-hua-hin-for-holiday-season/

The Tourist Police have deployed officers with the aim of bolstering confidence amongst tourists during the upcoming Thai holiday season. This initiative, led by Police Major General Pongsayam Meekhantong, Deputy Commander of the Tourist Police, saw a formal commencement on March 18, 2023, at Hua Hin Beach. The move comes as Hua Hin anticipates a surge in visitor numbers through March and April, drawing both Thai and international travelers. To this end, the Tourist Police are joining forces with various agencies to create a secure and welcoming environment for tourists. By Online Reporter Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-03-19 - 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

Bangkok taxi driver detained for sexually assaulting passenger by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook A Bangkok taxi driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting a passenger under the guise of a secluded location. On Thursday, March 14, the taxi driver, Thanadol, from Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was apprehended by metropolitan police officers following a warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322728-bangkok-taxi-driver-detained-for-sexually-assaulting-passenger/

A Bangkok taxi driver has been arrested for sexually assaulting a passenger under the guise of a secluded location. On Thursday, March 14, the taxi driver, Thanadol, from Non Sung district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, was apprehended by metropolitan police officers following a warrant issued by the Min Buri Criminal Court. The incident occurred during the early hours of March 14 when the victim hailed a taxi from an entertainment venue in the Ekkamai area to be taken home to Ram Inthra. While on a secluded stretch of road, the 44 year old driver allegedly forced the victim to perform oral sex. During the arrest at the National Housing Authority’s Pim Sin Sukhapiban 3 building in the Sa-i Mai district of Bangkok, Thanadol denied all allegations, claiming that the passenger had sexually harassed him first. The police are urging particularly women who work late or travel at night to be cautious when returning home alone. They advise taking a photo of the taxi’s license plate and pretending to update someone at home on their whereabouts as a safety precaution. The taxi driver from Nakhon Ratchasima was detained on charges of sexual assault after the passenger reported being forced into non-consensual acts. The arrest, executed by metropolitan police detectives, occurred following an incident that took place in the early hours of March 14, when the victim, after a night out in Ekkamai, Bangkok, took a taxi destined for the Ram Inthra area. The driver is accused of overpowering the passenger in a deserted location and compelling them to engage in sexual acts. Picture of taxi driver arrest courtesy of Sanook Upon his capture near a residential building in the Klong Tan district of Bangkok, Thanadol, originally from the district of Non Sung, faced charges based on a warrant dated March 14 from the Min Buri Criminal Court. The victim, fearing for her safety due to the possibility of the driver carrying a weapon, was unable to resist the assault and subsequently reported the crime at the Min Buri Police Station. Thanadol vehemently denies the charges and maintains he was the one being harassed by the passenger. He has since been transferred to the Min Buri Police Station for legal proceedings. In light of this event, Police Major General Theeradech Thamsuthi, head of the Metropolitan Police’s Special Branch, issued a warning to the public, especially women who may travel alone late at night. He advises them to take precautions such as photographing the taxi’s license plate and informing a family member or pretending to inform them of their whereabouts via a phone call. Theeradech gives several safety tips to use on calls. “I’m on my way home now, Dad. You can ask the maid to wait for me outside.” “How is the police station doing, Dad? I’m coming home now, you can come to pick me up.” “Can we set up a checkpoint to catch the bad guys today? I’ll see you after my shift.” These measures aim to provide a sense of security and potentially deter any ill-intentioned taxi drivers. by Samantha Rose Picture courtesy of Sanook Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-19 - 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

UPDATE: Arrest Warrant Issued for Tajikistani Man for Intent to Murder after a Russian Man Was Found Dead in Phuket By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket – An arrest warrant has been issued for a Tajikistani man who has already left Thailand for intent to murder after a Russian man was found dead at a cannabis farm in Chalong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322725-update-arrest-warrant-issued-for-tajikistani-man-for-intent-to-murder/

Phuket – An arrest warrant has been issued for a Tajikistani man who has already left Thailand for intent to murder after a Russian man was found dead at a cannabis farm in Chalong. The Phuket Provincial Police told the Phuket Express that the suspect, identified only as Mr. Bakhtovar, a Tajikistan national, stayed alone at the cannabis farm inside the home. The Russian victim entered the house but he never came out before later being found dead with a slit throat. The Tajikistan suspect left the house after the alleged murder before leaving Phuket bound for Turkey. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-03-19 - 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

2 Dead, Many Injured In Tour Bus Accident by TNR Staff Scenes of the tour bus crash in Nakhon Ratchasima early this morning, Mar. 19, 2024. Photo: Matichon A DOUBLE-DECKER tour bus heading for Bangkok from Bueng Kan hit a pillar and overturned in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in the wee hours of this morning (Mar. 19) killing two persons and injuring 43 others, Matichon newspaper said. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322724-2-dead-many-injured-in-tour-bus-accident/

A DOUBLE-DECKER tour bus heading for Bangkok from Bueng Kan hit a pillar and overturned in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in the wee hours of this morning (Mar. 19) killing two persons and injuring 43 others, Matichon newspaper said. At 2.10 a.m. police at Pho Klang station, city district, were alerted of the accident in front of Cherdchai Industry Garage and rushed there. Between kilometre markers 143-144 of Highway 2, or Mittraphap road, outbound from the city, police saw that a first-class air-conditioned double-decker bus belonged to Lotus Phibun Tour Co. Lt. had flipped to one side after slamming into a pillar with an overhead road sign attached. Many injured passengers within the large vehicle were crying for help with Hook 31 rescue unit finally transporting 43 of them, 20 men and 23 women, to Maharat, Bangkok, St. Mary’s and Por Phaet 2 hospitals. by TNR Staff TOP picture: Scenes of the tour bus crash in Nakhon Ratchasima early this morning, Mar. 19, 2024. Photo: Matichon Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-03-19 - 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 - Tuesday 19 March 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1322723-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-19-march-2024/