NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 19 April 2023

Two men accused of firing shots and injuring 8 at a clubbing zone known as RCA in Bangkok  were refused bail yesterday,  Both denied being the gunmen while also saying they did not know who fired the shots hitting four revellers while four others were injured as they fled the scene.

The National Police's deputy commissioner announced the arrest of a Malaysian-Hong Kong drug trafficking network yesterday, seizing 94kg of heroin and 162kg of methamphetamine. The arrested individual admitted to using a false identity and claimed to have received drugs from a man known as "Boss," with the help of a translator,  More suspects have been identified.

A leading politician yesterday claimed that military Conscription should be replaced by the economic benefits of voluntary enrollment. 

He added.. Keeping conscription in place for national security is detrimental to the economy as it draws away professional talents in various fields from the workforce for an extended period of time. Both individuals and country stand to lose.

The burning of farmland and forests has continued to shroud Chiang Mai with severe air pollution,  with particular concern given to pm 2.5 fine particles. After chairing a meeting on the situation, The deputy governor called on government agencies to prevent widespread burning. 

Authorities have released figures on traffic accidents during 7 days of last weeks holiday period; they  show 2,203 accidents, with a similar number of injuries and 264 fatalities on Thailand's roads.  Most accidents involved motorcycles.

Around the region….

China: The jobless rate among 16 to 24 year olds climbed to 19.6 per cent in March, but the overall unemployment rate dipped slightly to 5.3 per cent. Analysts say the lack of a strong labour market makes China’s consumers hesitant to spend and recovery will take time.

South Korea's Jeju Island is considering imposing an entry fee for tourists in order to support environmental sustainability, locals had raised concerns about garbage and sewage increasing beyond the island's management capacity.

The weather: 

Chiang Mai and the north:  Sunny, partly  cloudy ,  39 degrees!
The Air quality index is still red, purple and brown, air quality could be hazardous across much of the north. 
Bangkok:  sunny 36 degrees. 
Pattaya Sunny partly cloudy 32C
Phuket and the south , Sunny, becoming cloudy 32C                                                                                               
and.. ‘Hua Hin’ : Bright, becoming cloudy this afternoon, perhaps some rain..   34 degrees.
The air quality index:  yellow to orange  - moderate

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
 

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