Phuket Regional Blood Centre (Phuket RBC) issued an urgent call for blood donors of all types to help increase the blood supply during the Songkran holidays.

 

Phuket RBC’s urgent call for blood donations ahead of Songkran
by Mitch Connor | Picture courtesy of Thai Red Cross Society

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324510-phuket-rbc’s-urgent-call-for-blood-donations-ahead-of-songkran/

Fun drought: Songkran water festivities scaled back, says tourism minister

 

Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand

 

Despite earlier announcements, the traditional water-splashing activities during the Songkran festival in Thailand will not run throughout the entire month-long celebration, according to Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Tourism and Sports Minister.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324537-fun-drought-songkran-water-festivities-scaled-back-says-tourism-minister/

Thai woman sparks backlash for vaping on Chiang Rai flight (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Twtter/ @redskullxxx

 

A Thai woman is facing criticism after a video of her smoking an e-cigarette during a flight from Mae Fah Luang International Airport in the northern province of Chiang Rai went viral on Thai social media.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324564-thai-woman-sparks-backlash-for-vaping-on-chiang-rai-flight-video/

 

Two Estonians fined for smoking on Finnair flight into Bangkok

 

 

Two Estonian siblings were arrested and fined at Suvarnabhumi International Airport today after they were found smoking on a flight, despite cabin crew telling them that it is illegal.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324565-two-estonians-fined-for-smoking-on-finnair-flight-into-bangkok/

 

Paetongtarn apologises but vows to continue posting
 

Paetongtarn’s Instagram account

Paetongtarn Shinawatra has apologised to those who were unhappy with her Instagram post, showing her father, Thaksin, playing with her children in a swimming pool.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324566-paetongtarn-apologises-but-vows-to-continue-posting/

Thailand maintains neutral stand over conflict in Myanmar : Panpree
 

File photo : Myanmar

Thailand is committed to remaining neutral concerning, what is in effect, a civil war in Myanmar, and will help as required restore peace in the country, said Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara today.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324567-thailand-maintains-neutral-stand-over-conflict-in-myanmar-panpree/

 

Pattaya Police Investigate Violent Assault near Jomtien Beach
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya — Pattaya police are investigating a violent assault that took place near a sidewalk on Jomtien Beach.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324568-pattaya-police-investigate-violent-assault-near-jomtien-beach/

 

Tourist’s Car Gets Wheel Stuck in Sewer Hole Near Bang Saray Beach
By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: TMN Cable TV Pattaya

Sattahip, Chonburi — A tourist’s car got one of its wheels stuck in a sewer hole on Bang Saray Beach Road in Sattahip, Chonburi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324569-tourist’s-car-gets-wheel-stuck-in-sewer-hole-near-bang-saray-beach/

 

Foreign Man Caught Riding a Motorbike on Kamala Beach – VIDEO

By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Kamala –A foreign man was caught on a viral video riding a motorbike on Kamala Beach.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324570-foreign-man-caught-riding-a-motorbike-on-kamala-beach-–-video/

 

Prachuap aims for safer Songkran with fewer than 35 accidents, 36 injuries, and 3 deaths on the roads
By Online Reporter 

 

 

As is customary this time of year, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province has unveiled a new campaign dedicated to the prevention and reduction of road accidents.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324571-prachuap-aims-for-safer-songkran-with-fewer-than-35-accidents-36-injuries-and-3-deaths/

 

Boom boom: Thai people ranked No.1 in Asia’s list of top shaggers
 

Photo by Crew via Unsplash

 

The World Population Review website released its ranking for the Average Number of Sexual Partners by Country in 2024, revealing that Thai people are Asia’s top shaggers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324518-boom-boom-thai-people-ranked-no1-in-asia’s-list-of-top-shaggers/

Russian Man Arrested in Phuket with 351 Days of Overstay
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket –A Russian man was arrested in Koh Kaew, Phuket City after he was found to have overstayed his legal visa by 351 days.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324572-russian-man-arrested-in-phuket-with-351-days-of-overstay/

 

Chinese Man in Pattaya Arrested for Illegally Entering Thailand and Working as Guide

By Aim Tanakorn

 

PHOTO: บริษัท โสภณ เคเบิ้ล ที.วี.และสื่อสาร พัทยา จำกัด

Pattaya — A Chinese man was was arrested in Pattaya on April 8th, 2024, for entering Thailand illegally and working as a guide.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324573-chinese-man-in-pattaya-arrested-for-illegally-entering-thailand-and-working-as-guide/

Thai Government Aims to Elevate Koh Samui to Top 10 Most Attractive Islands Worldwide
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

On April 8th, 2024, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the Thai Tourism and Sports Minister, publicly revealed a Thai government policy to enhance Koh Samui to be one of the top 10 most attractive islands worldwide.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324574-thai-government-aims-to-elevate-koh-samui-to-top-10-most-attractive-islands-worldwide/

 

“Kamnan Nok” imprisoned for two years following murder of police officer at his house

 

 

Praween Chanklai, aka “Kamnan Nok”, who allegedly ordered the killing of a highway police officer during a party at his house in Nakhon Pathom on September 6th last year, in front of over a dozen other police officers, was sentenced to two years in prison today.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324575-“kamnan-nok”-imprisoned-for-two-years-following-murder-of-police-officer-at-his-house/

 

Cabinet agrees to Bt235Bn to fund health Gold Card scheme next fiscal year

 

 

The cabinet approved a Bt235 billion budget for 2025 fiscal year today, to fund the universal health security scheme (Gold Card) for the Thai population, under which each citizen will be entitled to medical coverage worth an average of Bt3,844.55.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324576-cabinet-agrees-to-bt235bn-to-fund-health-gold-card-scheme-next-fiscal-year/

 

Thailand's currency becomes one of Asia’s worst performers
Thailand's currency THB may extend its recent declines to test support at last year’s low amid growing pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates, according to the US website Bloomberg.com.

 

Shoppers pass through a street market in Bangkok, Thailand.(Photo:bloomberg.com)

 

Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand's currency THB may extend its recent declines to test support at last year’s low amid growing pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates, according to the US website Bloomberg.com.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324577-thailands-currency-becomes-one-of-asia’s-worst-performers/

 

Thailand ranks 44th in global crime index

 

'The Bangkok Hilton' | Photo via The Richest
 

Thailand has ranked 44th in the Global Organized Crime Index, highlighting issues like human trafficking, arms trade, and copyright infringement. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324578-thailand-ranks-44th-in-global-crime-index/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 10 April 2024

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324580-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-10-april-2024/

 

Thailand braces for influx of 100,000 Myanmar refugees
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Care.org

 

The escalating conflict in Myanmar has prompted Thailand to prepare for the potential influx of 100,000 displaced individuals, as stated by Foreign Affairs Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324581-thailand-braces-for-influx-of-100000-myanmar-refugees/

 

Wildlife trafficker nabbed with protected macaques in Narathiwat
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Thai authorities recently apprehended a wildlife trafficker in a sting operation today, seizing two protected macaque monkeys confined in fertiliser bags.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324588-wildlife-trafficker-nabbed-with-protected-macaques-in-narathiwat/

 

Chinese automaker Hozon aims to double its EV sales in Thailand
by Alex Morgan 

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok International Motor Show

 

Hozon New Energy Automobile Co, a Chinese manufacturer operating as Neta Auto, has set a target to double its electric vehicle (EV) sales in Thailand to 30,000 units this year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324589-chinese-automaker-hozon-aims-to-double-its-ev-sales-in-thailand/

UPDATE:

 

Bangkok Port shipping scene sets sail for relocation
by Mitch Connor

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Picture courtesy of Wikapedia

 

The Bangkok Port, located in the bustling Klong Toey district, is earmarked for a potential relocation, the Transport Ministry announced. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri revealed plans for a feasibility study into the port’s relocation yesterday, to transform parts of the 32-rai site into a public park.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324482-bangkok-port-relocation-set-to-combat-pollution-and-congestion/?do=findComment&comment=18832122

Thailand heatwave causes car windows to explode
by Samantha Rose

 

Picture courtesy of Sanook

 

Thailand’s scorching temperatures have led to an unusual phenomenon – exploding car windows, even when vehicles are parked in the shade.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324590-thailand-heatwave-causes-car-windows-to-explode/

Street vendor’s fried wonton pricing sparks social media uproar
by Samantha Rose

 

Picture courtesy of Sanook

 

A recent social media post sparked a debate about the fairness of food pricing after a woman paid 50 baht for less than ten pieces of fried wontons from a street vendor. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324593-street-vendor’s-fried-wonton-pricing-sparks-social-media-uproar/

 

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s opulent family holiday in Phuket
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Yahoo UK

 

Ever wondered how Hollywood’s elite enjoy their family vacations? Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie show us how it’s done with their opulent getaway in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324594-brad-pitt-and-angelina-jolie’s-opulent-family-holiday-in-phuket/

 

Thai govt explores legalisation of casino entertainment complexes
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of the Immigration Bureau

 

The Thai Cabinet yesterday endorsed a House committee report, greenlighting the prospect of legalising entertainment complexes featuring casinos within the country. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324596-thai-govt-explores-legalisation-of-casino-entertainment-complexes/

 

British man fined 5,000 baht for naked stroll on Krabi beach
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ โหนกระแส

 

A British man faces a fine of 5,000 baht after a viral video, filmed by a Thai local, showed him walking naked with his friends along Ao Nang Beach in the southern province of Krabi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324597-british-man-fined-5000-baht-for-naked-stroll-on-krabi-beach/

 

Stormy forecast: Thailand braces for thunder, wind, and hail
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of Micah Tindell, Unsplash

 

Thailand’s northern region is bracing for severe summer storms, as the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issues a warning for thunderstorms, strong winds, and possible hail in some areas.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324598-stormy-forecast-thailand-braces-for-thunder-wind-and-hail/

 

Dusit International urges government to boost quality tourism in Thailand
by Alex Morgan

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Dusit International Vice Chairman Chanin Donavanik urged the government to focus on enhancing the quality of tourism and encouraging exploration of lesser-known destinations to boost the industry.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324599-dusit-international-urges-government-to-boost-quality-tourism-in-thailand/