The Covid-19 situation at Prachuap Khiri Khan prison in Thailand is set to be managed by an imminent emergency operations centre (EOC), following the identification of infection clusters. This development comes as the public health permanent secretary, Dr Opas Karnkawinpong, reported intensified surveillance in the wake of 79 confirmed Covid cases at the prison.

 

Prachuap Khiri Khan prison manages Covid-19 with emergency operations centre

by Mitch Connor | Picture courtesy of Fusion Medical Animation, Unsplash

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323743-prachuap-khiri-khan-prison-manages-covid-19-with-emergency-operations-centre/

Mysterious Tunnel Found In Kanchanaburi, Likely Built During WWII
by TNR Staff 

 

The likely World War II tunnel was found in Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district. Photo: Naewna

 

RESIDENTS of Kanachanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district have discovered a mysterious tunnel that appears to have been built as a bomb shelter during World War II, Naewna newspaper said today (Mar. 31).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323745-mysterious-tunnel-found-in-kanchanaburi-likely-built-during-wwii/

 

Charges against officials relating to “Tak Bai Incident” in 2004 to be filed in April

 

 

Criminal charges will be filed by the end of April in Narathiwat against nine government officials, allegedly responsible for the bloody crackdown on Muslim protesters in the “Tak Bai Incident” in 20 years ago.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323746-charges-against-officials-relating-to-“tak-bai-incident”-in-2004-to-be-filed-in-april/

 

Water rationing in Krabi from April 1st

 

 

Thailand’s southern tourist province of Krabi is facing a tap water crisis, forcing the waterworks authority in the Muang district, the sole distributor of tap water, to cut the supply to households and businesses, based on a zoning system, starting April 1st.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323747-water-rationing-in-krabi-from-april-1st/

 

Thailand consumers council calls for investigation into yellow line malfunctions
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of MGR Online

 

An urgent call for an independent examination of the Yellow Line’s recent malfunctions has been made by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC). The TCC, led by Dr Anuchar Sethasathien who presides over the transport and vehicle sub-committee, has requested that transport experts along with the Rail Transport Department and Consumer Protection Board conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents that have disrupted services since Thursday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323748-thailand-consumers-council-calls-for-investigation-into-yellow-line-malfunctions/

Korea aerospace industries proposes to sell FA50 light fighters to Royal Thai Air Force
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Wassana Nanuam, Unsplash

 

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has presented a proposal to the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), offering to sell its FA50 light fighters. The RTAF has earmarked 19 billion baht for the procurement of new fighter jets in the forthcoming fiscal year, as revealed by an insider from the Defence Ministry.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323749-korea-aerospace-industries-proposes-to-sell-fa50-light-fighters-to-royal-thai-air-force/

 

Thai ATPD Busts Prostitution Ring: 15 Illegal Male Myanmar Workers Arrested in Bangkok Massage Shop Raid
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Bangkok— On March 30th, 2024, the Thai Anti Trafficking In Persons Division (ATPD) captured 15 illegal male Myanmar workers and a Thai massage owner at the Lat Phrao shopping center in Wang Thonglang, Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323750-15-illegal-male-myanmar-workers-arrested-in-bangkok-massage-shop-raid/

 

Blaze engulfs Sisaket building following gas cylinder explosions
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A commercial building in Sisaket province was engulfed in flames early this morning, following two explosive sounds suspected to be from gas cylinders. The blaze rapidly spread, causing chaos as firefighting teams rushed to extinguish the fire, which started at 4.10am near Luang Sumangkalaram Temple.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323751-blaze-engulfs-sisaket-building-following-gas-cylinder-explosions/

 

Three Thai dishes rank in the world’s top ten best, says Tasteatlas
by Top 

 

Picture courtesy of Thairath

 

In a recent release by Tasteatlas, a renowned global food website, Thailand’s culinary prowess has been recognised once again. Three of the nation’s iconic dishes – phat kaphrao, khao soi, and phanaeng curry – have carved their place among the top 10 in the world’s one hundred best dishes list.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323752-three-thai-dishes-rank-in-the-world’s-top-ten-best-says-tasteatlas/

 

Positive outlook for Thai tourism after mutual visa exemption with China came into force

 

 

This Monday marks one month since the visa exemption agreement between Thailand and China took effect.  According to Vichai Mongkolchaichawan, the vice president of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the outlook is positive.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323753-positive-outlook-for-thai-tourism-after-mutual-visa-exemption-with-china-came-into-force/

 

Construction of Pink Line extension suspended for a week

 

The Department of Rail Transport has ordered construction of the Pink Line extension to be suspended for a week, after liquid cement dropped onto the trunk and rear window of a passenger car at Impact Muang Thong Thani station.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323754-construction-of-pink-line-extension-suspended-for-a-week/

Phuket rescue team kept busy with surge in reptile sightings
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of DDPM-Wichit

 

Rescue workers at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation branch in Wichit Municipality (DDPM-Wichit), Phuket, have been kept busy with a surge in reptile sightings. Even before the onset of the rainy season, the task of managing the movement of these creatures has become a daily routine.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323755-phuket-rescue-team-kept-busy-with-surge-in-reptile-sightings/

 

Chinese Flocking Here For Plastic Surgery, Infertility Treatment
by TNR Staff 

 

Representative image of Chinese people flocking here for plastic surgery. Photo: Matichon

 

THE VISA-FREE access to Thailand by Chinese tourists has led a large number of them inquiring and then deciding to undergo plastic surgery, infertility treatment as well as general medical examination here, Matichon newspaper said this evening (Mar. 30).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323756-chinese-flocking-here-for-plastic-surgery-infertility-treatment/

Russian Tourist Topples Over Seven Power Poles in Phuket Car Accident
By Tanakorn Panyadee

 

PHOTO: เหยี่ยวข่าว ภูเก็ต Newshawk Phuket

Phuket — A Russian tourist crashed his car and toppled over seven power poles in Phuket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323757-russian-tourist-topples-over-seven-power-poles-in-phuket-car-accident/

Speedboat Capsizes in Sri Racha, 10 Passengers Safely Rescued
By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: ประชาชาตินิวส์ ทีวี ภูมิภาค

Sri Racha, Chonburi — A speedboat carrying 10 passengers capsized off the coast of Sri Racha on March 28th, 2024. All of them were safely rescued.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323758-speedboat-capsizes-in-sri-racha-10-passengers-safely-rescued/

 

More people drafted in, as search for missing 2-year-old expands

 

 

About 100 officials and volunteers have been mobilised, supported two police sniffer dogs, GPS tracking and blood trace detection devices, in the expanding search for the 2-year-old Lahu tribe boy, who has been missing for nearly 10 days from his home in the Muang district of Chiang Rai province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323759-more-people-drafted-in-as-search-for-missing-2-year-old-expands/

 

Thai Officials Announce "Innovative" Expat Health Measure

 

File photo

 

BANGKOK – In a move likely to raise eyebrows within the expat community, Thailand's Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to combat communicable diseases: reinstating mask mandates for foreigners in major tourist areas.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323760-thai-officials-announce-innovative-expat-health-measure/

 

Is Srettha planning to divest his finance portfolio to SET chief Pichai?
 

File photo : Pichai Chunhavajira

The first Cabinet reshuffle of the Srettha Thavisin government is expected to take place after the close of the current Parliamentary session on April 9. Among the frontrunners for the finance minister’s post is Pichai Chunhavajira, 76, a longtime Shinawatra family loyalist. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323761-is-srettha-planning-to-divest-his-finance-portfolio-to-set-chief-pichai/

 

Thai Navy Sailor Saves Unconscious Dutch Expat with CPR at Sattahip Shopping Center
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Chonburi—On March 30th, 2024, Thai national media reported a good deed of a Thai Navy sailor performing CPR on a Dutch expat who fainted inside his car at Sattahip shopping center, Marco, Sattahip, Chonburi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323762-thai-navy-sailor-saves-unconscious-dutch-expat-with-cpr-at-sattahip-shopping-center/

 

Foreigner Allegedly on Drugs Causes Ruckus in Pattaya
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Bang Lamung—At 9:30 PM, on March 29th, 2024, Pattaya City police received a report of a foreigner allegedly being drug-intoxicated and causing a ruckus among locals on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung, Chonburi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323763-foreigner-allegedly-on-drugs-causes-ruckus-in-pattaya/

 

Pattaya Is Already A World-Class Destination, Says Thai Real Estate Experts

By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: Prachachat

 

Pattaya — “Pattaya has already become a world-class destination and is poised for leaping growth in the next five years,” says Thai real estate industry leaders speaking at a seminar hosted by the Chonburi Real Estate Association.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323766-pattaya-is-already-a-world-class-destination-says-thai-real-estate-experts/

Son Decapitates Mother in Shocking Murder at Palm Garden in Surat Thani
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Surat Thani—At 8:00 AM, on March 30th, 2024, Wiang Sa police officers received a murder report of a son decapitating his mother at a palm garden in Wiang Sa, Surat Thani.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323767-son-decapitates-mother-in-shocking-murder-at-palm-garden-in-surat-thani/

 

Pattaya City Gears Up for Grand Wan Lai Celebration
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya —Pattaya City is set to host a grand “Wan Lai Day” on Friday, April 19th, 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323768-pattaya-city-gears-up-for-grand-wan-lai-celebration/

 

Jail time to return for Cannabis players as Srettha describes the trade as a threat to the country
by Carla Boonkong & Pranee O' Connor

 

Prime Minister Srettha’s interview with France 24’s Bangkok correspondent, Matt Hunt, was broadcast this week. It was previously recorded in Chiang Mai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323769-jail-time-to-return-for-cannabis-players-as-pm-describes-the-trade-as-a-threat-to-thailand/

 

Police chief withdraws defamation case to allow a full and open probe by investigators into his affairs
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

At 3 O’Clock on Saturday, the President of the Crime Victims Assistance Club, Atchariya Ruangrattanapong (centre) and spokesman for under fire National Police Chief General Torsak Sukwimol (inset), announced that he had withdrawn defamation proceedings at Bangkok South Municipal Court launched the day before. It came after maverick lawyer Sittra Biebangkerd confirmed he was filing a criminal complaint against General Torsak with the police related to his massive police corruption allegations that have implicated the top cop. Mr Atchariya said General Torask welcomed the move.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323770-police-chief-withdraws-defamation-case-to-allow-a-full-and-open-probe-by-investigators/

Economy unlikely to grow in first quarter as Thai manufacturing crumbles. Hard choices ahead
by Joseph O' Connor

 

On Friday, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin again called for the Bank of Thailand to lower its base interest rate. It came in the same week as he appeared to resurrect his short-term Digital Wallet policy. The government leader’s emphasis on populist economics conflicts with the message from the central bank. It warns that the only way for Thailand to resume substantial GDP growth is to address the country’s multitude of structural problems. At length, this also now includes an increasingly obsolete manufacturing base.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323772-economy-unlikely-to-grow-in-first-quarter-as-thai-manufacturing-crumbles/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 1 April 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323773-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-1-april-2024/

 

Reforestation seen as only viable smog solution
Animal agriculture, not fossil fuels, is becoming the biggest driver of climate change worldwide

WRITER: DAVE KENDALL

 

The latest episode of the Bangkok Post 'Deeper Dive' vodcast explores a long-term solution to northern Thailand's chronic smog problem.

Northern Thailand's chronic smog problem is usually blamed on burning crop waste, villagers burning wooded areas to pick mushrooms and vehicle emissions. The solutions, we are told, involve regulations and enforcement.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323777-reforestation-seen-as-only-viable-smog-solution/

 

Thailand Vigilant Amid Japan's "Flesh-Eating" Disease Surge

by Krajangwit Johjit

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has assured the Thai public that no instances of necrotizing fasciitis, a dangerous bacterial infection often referred to as a "flesh-eating" disease, have been reported in Thailand this year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323780-thailand-vigilant-amid-japans-flesh-eating-disease-surge/

 

Police and restaurant owner’s gun-knife duel in Udon Thani leaves both injured
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A violent confrontation erupted between a police officer and a restaurant owner in Udon Thani, resulting in both men sustaining serious injuries.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323782-police-and-restaurant-owner’s-gun-knife-duel-in-udon-thani-leaves-both-injured/