NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 9 October 2023

Thailand's Foreign Minister said yesterday that the county’s stance towards the attack by Hamas against Israel is neutral. He added there would be no condemnation of either side, but the Thai government strongly condemns the use of violence.

So far reports say around 12 Thai nationals are believed to have been killed while at least 11 were captured by gunmen over the weekend.

The consular section of the Thai embassy in Tel Aviv announced it would remain closed today until further notice.

Meanwhile, the military has placed 6 planes on standby ready to evacuate Thai citizens.

The former ambassador to Denmark was discovered dead yesterday in the restroom at a house in  Bangkok. A forensic examination showed he'd been stabbed three times in the chest. Blood stains were found on two kitchen knives in the house, and CCTV footage is under review. Two teenagers are being questioned in connection with the incident.

Ao Chalong pier in Phuket is being renovated and expanded into a smart pier at a cost of around 60 million baht. The idea is to improve facilities, safety and boost tourist confidence.

And 

Last weeks Sustainability Expo in Bangkok, drew more than 300,000 participants, with over half of them being students and teenagers. Seen as a promising indication of the widespread recognition and concern of sustainability issues, among the younger generation.

Around The Region:
Brunei’s Prince Abdul Mateen is set to marry in January, The 32-year-old, who has some 2.4 million followers on Instagram, will marry Ms Anisha Adam in a glittering royal ceremony that is expected to last 10 days. 

Hong Kong
Typhoon Koinu made landfall on China's resort island of Hainan this morning after skirting Hong Kong, 
There, the city experienced its highest rainfall in nearly 140 years, flooding subway stations and malls, and causing landslides prompting the closure of transport services and schools in the financial center.

The Weather:  

Clouds and rain sweeping in from the west

Central and northern areas including 
Chiang Mai and the north: Cloudy Thunderstorms 27C                            

Bangkok:, cloudy Thundershowers  32C                                                      

Pattaya, Cloudy, Thundershowers  31C                                                        

Phuket and the south:  Bright Partly cloudy 30 C                                                                                          

Hua Hin: bright partly becoming cloudy with rain expected this afternoon . 31C. 

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