NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 27 February 2024

State railways announced that construction of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project could face a 2 year delay and additional costs  of around 4 billion baht following if the decision to elevate an almost 8 kilometer section over communities near Nakhon Ratchasima goes ahead. 

The 270 kilometer high speed rail service linking nakhon ratchasima to bangkok has been divided into 14 construction contracts.
  
Prime Minister Thavisin has instructed the ministry of  Transport to speed up  construction of the elevated highway along the Rama II Road south of the capital. 

A recent online survey found traffic congestion is putting off tourists from visiting Hua Hin,  the PM also posted that pollution from construction also impacted on the health of local residents.

The transport authority said it would ensure minimal disruption during the Songkran holiday.

The airports of Thailand will employ an additional 800 staff while the immigration department will hire a further 200 officers to help speed up procedures at suvarnabum airport. The recruitment drive follows complaints by the prime minister over passenger delays, the airport aims to reduce immigration procedure times from around 1 hour to 30 minutes. 

 
Around the region    

Satellite images of the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea show a new floating barrier across its entrance, near where Philippine  and Chinese ships have had frequent run-ins.  The Chinese coast guard claimed to have driven off a Philippine vessel it says was “illegally intruding” into Beijing’s waters. The Philippines deployed it’s patrol vessel last week  to provide fuel to Filipino fishermen in the area, Manila claims it’s activities there were lawful.

WEATHER 

Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, 37C

Bangkok: sunny, partly cloudy 36C

Pattaya: bright partly cloudy   33C

Phuket and the south: sunny, light cloud 34C

Hua Hin: Sunny, some light cloud…winds light from the South east 32C            

AQI Green to  Yellow  light to moderate       
Green clear, yellow light, 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

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