webfact

In a bid to combat the country's seasonal air pollution crisis, national parks in Thailand have taken to door-to-door campaigns to educate locals on the dangers of using fire to clear plantations and agricultural waste. The Forest Protection and Fire Control Office at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has reported a 38% decrease in manmade forest fires this year compared to 2023, thanks to enhanced cooperation from local communities. Manmade fires are identified as the main cause of smog in rural areas, with research showing that millions of hectares of land are burnt due to seasonal fire-lighting practices. Efforts to tackle the smog crisis have improved, but more proactive measures are needed to fully resolve the issue, according to experts. The Royal Forest Department's budget for preventing forest fires arrived late this year, impacting operations to extinguish fires during the peak smog season. Local administrative bodies have taken over monitoring forest reserves, but challenges remain in securing necessary funding for these efforts. In response to the ongoing smog crisis, initiatives like the FireD application developed by Chiang Mai University aim to manage fire control more efficiently by reviewing and approving outdoor fire-lighting requests based on weather conditions and air quality. The application is part of efforts to contain outdoor fires in the most effective manner. The worsening air pollution in Thailand has raised concerns about its impact on public health, with a growing number of cases of lung cancer attributed to heavy smog. The dangers of PM2.5 fine dust have become more apparent, prompting calls for stricter measures to mitigate the health risks associated with poor air quality. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has made several work trips addressing the smog crisis this year, while the government has set up a committee for sustainable solutions to air pollution. Provincial commands and volunteer checkpoints have been established to support efforts to prevent forest fires and protect conservation areas. With various measures in place to combat the smog crisis, Thailand is working towards reducing the impact of agricultural fires and improving air quality for its citizens. The door-to-door campaigns are just one aspect of a larger strategy to address the root causes of the country's enduring smog issues. TOP: Chiang Mai file photo for reference only -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Welcomes FIFA President Gianni Infantino Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand Nualphan Lamsam, aka Madam Pang, rolled out the red carpet for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he touched down in Bangkok ahead of the 74th FIFA Congress 2024, happening this week. Full story: Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327131-fifa-president-arrives-in-bangkok-for-74th-congress/

Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand FIFA President Gianni Infantino landed in Bangkok this week for the 74th FIFA Congress, hosted by Nualphan Lamsam, also known as Madam Pang. The event has drawn top football officials from across the globe, including AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and former players like Youri Djorkaeff. Thailand is gearing up to host the Congress, with Nualphan expressing gratitude for the support received. The highlight of the event will be the selection of the host country for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, and Brazil in the running. This marks a historic moment for Thailand as the first ASEAN country to host the prestigious FIFA event, showcasing the nation's growing influence in the world of football. -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Bang Kruai District Faces Risk as Chao Phraya River Embankment Collapses Picture courtesy: Khaosod via Prachachat Residents of the Bang Kruai district were left alarmed as a large section of the Chao Phraya River embankment collapsed, stretching over 70 meters. Local Member of Parliament Anusorn Kaewwichian, along with officials, inspected the damage and advised residents to avoid the area for safety reasons. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327130-bang-kruai-district-faces-risk-as-chao-phraya-river-embankment-collapses/

Residents of the Bang Kruai district were left alarmed as a large section of the Chao Phraya River embankment collapsed, stretching over 70 meters. Local Member of Parliament Anusorn Kaewwichian, along with officials, inspected the damage and advised residents to avoid the area for safety reasons. At 10 am today, Anusorn and officials visited the embankment along the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi's Bang Kruai district following reports of its collapse. The extensive damage, starting near the Bang Kruai canal drainage gate and running over 70 meters, prompted concerns about the embankment's stability. The embankment, initially built in 2009 by the Nonthaburi Irrigation Department to enhance the drainage gate's infrastructure and the pumping station at Bang Kruai canal, showed signs of deterioration and had areas where it had completely given way. Some sections had gravel added for reinforcement. An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collapse, as the exact reason remains unclear. Anusorn plans to inform the Nonthaburi provincial governor about the situation and has urged caution, with the Bang Kruai municipality cooperating to assess the site and warn residents to steer clear due to the shifting stones posing a risk. Previously alerted to breaches in the embankment by locals and the municipality, Anusorn raised concerns in parliament three times. Despite never facing severe flooding that overran the embankment before, water seepage concerns were addressed by the Electrical Generating Authority of Thailand. The authority funded measures to fill the breaches and reinforce the embankment with gravel. Authorities, including the Irrigation Department, continue to investigate the cause of the collapse. In the event of significant flooding, there is a risk of water overflow into residential areas via the Bang Si Thong canal, potentially affecting more than just low-lying regions and temple grounds. Picture courtesy: Khaosod via Prachachat -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 13 May 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327129-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-13-may-2024/

A man's body was discovered encased in concrete inside a 200-liter barrel dumped in a reservoir, prompting suspicions that it could be ‘Roh Jong’, a Korean man abducted by three suspects in Bangkok. Divers located the plastic barrel at the bottom of a reservoir on Saturday night in Chon Buri. Police sought confirmation of his identity as all the victim's fingers had been severed. Earlier, Mr. Roh's mother received a phone call demanding 3 by Wednesday otherwise her son would be killed. She then sought assistance from the South Korean embassy in Bangkok to locate her son. FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Bangkok yesterday for the 74th FIFA Congress 2024. Over 3,000 delegates from 211 member associations will gather at 'The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center' from May 13 to 17th, marking Thailand as the first ASEAN country to host this event. The Congress will address football challenges, with the highlight being Friday's vote to determine the host for the 2027 Women's World Cup. People have been warned not to approach a collapsed section of an embankment along the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi. A Move Forward Party MP warned people to stay away from the section which stretched for about 70 metres. Around the region. Indonesia, At least 34 people have died and 16 more were missing after flash floods and cold lava flow from a volcano hit West Sumatra. Buildings were damaged and vehicles washed away, The death toll was likely to increase as searches continue for those missing. Todays’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny becoming Cloudy with thundershowers, 36 degrees celsius. Bangkok: sunny becoming Cloudy with thundershowers, 34 Pattaya: Cloudy with showers 32, Phuket and the south: Becoming Cloudy, with thundershowers 34 Hua Hin: Bright but cloudy, 32. AQIYellow to Orange, moderate to 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 2024-05-13 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Squirrel Causes Cable Fire in Chonburi Picture courtesy: Naew Na A load of electrical and communication cables went up in flames today in an alley at Saha Group Industrial Park in Sri Racha district, Chonburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327127-squirrel-causes-cable-fire-in-chonburi/

A load of electrical and communication cables went up in flames today in an alley at Saha Group Industrial Park in Sri Racha district, Chonburi. A video clip captured the moment when the furry culprit climbed up a pole and chewed on the electrical cables, causing a short circuit and setting off the fire. Quick-thinking locals alerted the Fire Department to prevent the fire from spreading uncontrollably. The fire caused a power outage in the area, prompting officials to cut off the electricity supply for safety reasons. Firefighters swiftly extinguished the flames, averting a potential disaster. Repair teams were deployed to assess the damage and restore the power supply. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and safeguarding electrical installations to prevent such accidents from happening in the future. Picture courtesy: Naew Na -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Residents of Chachoengsao Province on High Alert Due to Electronic Waste Dumping Picture courtesy: Siam Safety Recent reports out of Chachoengsao province have brought to light a concerning situation involving the dumping of electronic waste and sulphur on empty land in the Sanam Chai Khet district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327126-residents-of-chachoengsao-province-on-high-alert-due-to-electronic-waste-dumping/

Recent reports out of Chachoengsao province have brought to light a concerning situation involving the dumping of electronic waste and sulphur on empty land in the Sanam Chai Khet district. The area where the waste has been dumped is raising alarms due to fears that toxic chemicals may seep into a nearby canal, which serves as a vital water source for numerous villages. Officials from the provincial industrial works department have already visited the site to collect samples from the bags of waste and the canal for further testing at a lab. Results are anticipated within the next 30 days. Local residents have reported troubling changes in the water near the dump site, which has taken on a dark color and emits a foul smell. With continued rain in the forecast, there is growing concern that the contaminated water may flow into the canal located a mere four metres away. Experts like Sonthi Kotchawat, specializing in environmental and health matters, are urging authorities to promptly remove the bags of waste for proper disposal and implement measures to prevent further contamination of the waterway. Sapthavee Kulsaree, the mayor of Tha Kradan Tambon Administrative Organisation, has highlighted the sandy nature of the dump site as a factor that could facilitate the leakage of polluted water into the canal. While expressing the urgency of the situation, he also noted that the issue falls outside his jurisdiction. The situation remains a cause for concern among residents, who are advocating for swift action to address the growing environmental threat posed by the dumping of hazardous waste in the area. Picture courtesy: Siam Safety -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand's Regulator May Take Action Against AIS for Service Disruption Picture courtesy: Thai PBS Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has demanded an explanation from mobile phone provider AIS following a service disruption on Friday evening. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327125-thailands-regulator-may-take-action-against-ais-for-service-disruption/

Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has demanded an explanation from mobile phone provider AIS following a service disruption on Friday evening. NBTC chairman Sarana Boonbaichaiyapruck has stated that AIS, as one of the country's major mobile service providers, must clarify the cause of the disruption and provide compensation to affected customers. Boonbaichaiyapruck, who was personally impacted by the disruption, has warned that AIS could face sanctions if they fail to offer a satisfactory explanation for the incident. In response, AIS has issued an apology and pledged to compensate affected subscribers. The company plans to send out SMS messages to customers, including those on unlimited and other packages, outlining the compensation they can expect by Monday. -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

EU-Thailand Pact: Visa-Free Access for Thai Passport Holders Picture courtesy: Thai Citizenship EU and Thailand to reveal new agreement this year, offering visa-free access for Thai passport holders. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327124-eu-thailand-pact-visa-free-access-for-thai-passport-holders/

EU-Thailand Pact: Visa-Free Access for Thai Passport Holders EU and Thailand to reveal new agreement this year, offering visa-free access for Thai passport holders. The pact aims to strengthen trade and cooperation between the two parties. PM Srettha Thavisin is set to visit France and Italy to further solidify ties with the EU. The government is positive about finalizing a trade and cooperation framework with the EU, which will include visa-free travel to the Schengen zone for Thai citizens. This agreement is expected to boost investment opportunities for Thailand. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is scheduled to travel to France and Italy next week in a bid to enhance relations with the EU. Minister Jakkapong Sangmanee recently announced the plans to seal a free trade deal with the EU this year. Discussions between Thailand and the 27 EU member states began last September in Brussels, followed by talks in Bangkok in January 2024. The final round of negotiations is slated to occur within the EU in June. The EU-Thailand Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement will enable Thai passport holders to enter the EU's Schengen zone without a visa. This agreement aims to facilitate economic growth and enhance business opportunities for both parties. During a recent event commemorating Europe Day, Minister Jakkapong highlighted the importance of fostering stronger ties between Thailand and the EU. He emphasized the mutual benefits of the FTA and expressed hope for EU support in granting visa-free access to Thai nationals in the Schengen zone. Picture courtesy: Thai Citizenship -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thief caught using forgotten ATM card to buy cigarettes for resale Picture courtesy: Matichon A man with a history of theft was arrested by Metropolitan Police Division 1 for stealing an ATM card and using it to buy cigarettes for resale. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327121-thief-caught-using-forgotten-atm-card-to-buy-cigarettes-for-resale/

A man with a history of theft was arrested by Metropolitan Police Division 1 for stealing an ATM card and using it to buy cigarettes for resale. The 46-year-old suspect was apprehended following a warrant issued by the Criminal Court for theft charges. The incident unfolded when a victim reported leaving their debit card at an ATM inside a shopping mall in the Pratunam area. Subsequently, the victim received multiple notifications on their phone regarding transactions made at another shopping mall, amounting to over 10,000 baht (US$270). This prompted the victim to report the incident to the police. The suspect, identified as Prapat, was taken into custody at a bus stop in front of a shopping mall in the Rangsit area in Pathum Thani province. It was revealed that he had a previous arrest in 2016 for theft and had evaded the authorities. He was also arrested in 2020 for violating the Emergency Decree. During questioning, the suspect admitted to targeting ATMs in tourist-heavy areas like Khao San Road, Pratunam, and CentralWorld to find forgotten debit cards. He confessed to using these cards to purchase cigarettes for resale, a scheme he executed at least 10 times, earning around 10,000 baht on each occasion. Following his arrest, police searched his residence and found over 50 packs of cigarettes intended for sale. Authorities urge the public that if they suspect their debit card has been stolen, to immediately notify the bank to block the card and report any unauthorized transactions to take legal action against the thief, even if it's someone they know. Picture courtesy: Matichon -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Call for Government Review of 10-Year-Old Rice Pledging Scheme Sale Plan File photo for reference only Thailand's Rice Science Centre has urged the government to review its plan to sell rice from a 10-year-old pledging scheme. Researchers want to inspect the old rice to ensure it's safe for consumption. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327120-call-for-government-review-of-10-year-old-rice-pledging-scheme-sale-plan/

Thailand's Rice Science Centre has urged the government to review its plan to sell rice from a 10-year-old pledging scheme. Researchers want to inspect the old rice to ensure it's safe for consumption. Experts, including Professor Dr. Apichart Vanavichit from Kasetsart University, have raised concerns about the storage conditions of the rice. They highlight the importance of storing rice in cool, dry, and oxygen-free environments to maintain quality. They also warn of potential degradation, loss of nutritional value, and the presence of harmful substances like chemical residues from fumigation. Additionally, the old rice may have been exposed to toxins produced by fungi, which can be hazardous to health. There is also a risk of the rice containing substances like phosphorus-oxyacids and orthophosphate, which cannot be removed by traditional methods. Experts emphasize the dangers of chemical residues, such as aluminium phosphide, which can produce toxic gases when exposed to water. Consumption of such contaminated rice could lead to serious health issues, including nausea, breathing difficulties, and even death. The call for a review underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of the rice before it is made available for sale to the public. File photo for reference only -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Nakhon Pathom: Ex-convict shot dead, sparking police manhunt Picture courtesy: Khaosod A man who had recently been released from prison after serving time for drug offenses was found dead in his home in Nakhon Pathom province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327119-nakhon-pathom-ex-convict-shot-dead-sparking-police-manhunt/

A man who had recently been released from prison after serving time for drug offenses was found dead in his home in Nakhon Pathom province. The man, identified as 43-year-old Prasopchok, had been shot multiple times, prompting a manhunt by the police to find the shooter. The incident occurred in the Srakratiam district, and police were alerted to the shooting at the man's residence. Upon arrival, they discovered Prasopchok's body with gunshot wounds in his bedroom. He had been shot four times at close range. The police found a bullet at the scene, but the type of gun used remains unknown. Prasopchok, who lived alone, had only been out of prison for nine months before his death. He had a history of run-ins with the law, having been jailed four times for drug-related crimes. However, after his most recent release, he had been trying to make a fresh start by working on a small farm owned by his family. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots the night before Prasopchok's body was discovered. Police are investigating the case and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The police are treating this case as a serious threat to public safety and are working diligently to locate the perpetrator. They are seeking the cooperation of the community to help solve this tragic crime. Picture courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Elderly woman's buffalo herd goes missing in Buriram Picture courtesy: Khaosod An elderly woman from Buriram province is in distress after her entire herd of 10 buffaloes has mysteriously disappeared. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327118-elderly-womans-buffalo-herd-goes-missing-in-buriram/

An elderly woman from Buriram province is in distress after her entire herd of 10 buffaloes has mysteriously disappeared. The woman, aged 72, had planned to sell the buffaloes to pay off a debt to the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives. Local highway police received a report from the woman about the missing buffaloes and launched a search operation, but unfortunately, the buffaloes could not be found. The woman, relying on local beliefs, lit incense sticks in hopes of divine assistance in locating her missing animals. The woman explained that her buffaloes, which she usually allowed to roam freely in the rice fields, vanished on May 9 without a trace. With her intended source of income now gone, she faces financial uncertainty and is appealing to the public for help in recovering her herd. If anyone has information about the whereabouts of the missing buffaloes or has seen them, the woman urges them to come forward. She has offered forgiveness to anyone who might have taken the buffaloes if they are returned safely. Picture courtesy: Khaosod -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand Shuts 12 Marine Parks to Tackle Coral Bleaching Crisis Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand In response to a serious coral bleaching crisis sparked by rising sea temperatures from the El Niño weather phenomenon, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has taken decisive action. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1327117-thailand-shuts-12-marine-parks-to-tackle-coral-bleaching-crisis/

Picture courtesy: National News Bureau of Thailand In response to a serious coral bleaching crisis sparked by rising sea temperatures from the El Niño weather phenomenon, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has taken decisive action. They've closed down 12 national marine parks, including big names like Mu Koh Chang and Ao Phang Nga, aiming to halt further harm to coral ecosystems that began showing alarming signs of bleaching back in April. This tough measure is set to stay in place until July. Leading the charge in damage assessment are key figures like Natural Resources and Environment Minister Pol. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan and Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Deputy Director-General Chidchanok Sukmongkol. The Gulf of Thailand is bearing the brunt of the bleaching, with a shocking 50% of its coral reefs hit, compared to 20% in the shallower waters of the Andaman Sea. This environmental crisis has sparked widespread concern among marine experts and the public alike, raising urgent questions about the future of marine life in the region. Pol. Gen. Patcharawat stresses that closing these parks is just one part of a larger strategy. It's aimed at giving the reefs a chance to recover from the intense heat stress that's been wreaking havoc on coral health. This closure period also buys time for officials to come up with lasting solutions to this ongoing environmental challenge. -- 2024-05-13 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe