THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Monday 15 April 2024

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Casualties from road accidents in the first two days of the long Songkran holiday have risen to 63 dead and 550 injured in 541 accidents, according to the Command Centre for the Prevention and Reduction of Road Accidents during the Songkran Festival.

 

63 killed, 550 injured on roads during first two days of Songkran break

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324929-63-killed-550-injured-on-roads-during-first-two-days-of-songkran-break/

 

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Thailand suspends TM 6 immigration forms (arrival/departure)
 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Government of Thailand has put a halt to the obligatory TM 6 immigration forms for foreigners arriving in the country via land or sea, effective from April 15 to October 15.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324876-thailand-suspends-tm-6-immigration-forms-arrivaldeparture/

 

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The dark secrets of Thailand’s elephant tourism industry
 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

In a recent interview, concerns about the welfare of domesticated elephants have surged. These gentle giants, pivotal to Thailand’s economy since ancient times, now face a crisis that threatens their very existence.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324881-the-dark-secrets-of-thailand’s-elephant-tourism-industry/

 

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British tourist found dead in Thailand drain following pub crawl on notorious 'Death Island'

Brit backpacker Theo Bailey, believed to be in his 30s, was sadly found lifeless in a shallow water drainage ditch the following day outside the Roctapus diving centre on Koh Tao Island

 

By Monica CharsleyNews Reporter

 

The tourist's body was found outside the Roctapus diving centre in Koh Tao, Thailand (Image: AsiaPacificPress / ViralPress)

A British backpacker has been found dead in a drain whilst on vacation in Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324931-british-tourist-found-dead-in-drain-following-pub-crawl-on-notorious-death-island/

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Man arrested in Thailand for assaulting teen during Songkran
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A 40 year old man was arrested yesterday for luring and assaulting a 16 year old girl in a harrowing Songkran holiday incident. Thai police apprehended the suspect, known as Arm Laisak, with an extensive criminal background, including prior offences related to drug trafficking.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324932-man-arrested-in-thailand-for-assaulting-teen-during-songkran/

 

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Thai government prepares for potential Iran attack on Israel
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of bangkokbiznews

 

The Thai government assured yesterday that contingency plans are in place to safeguard Thai nationals in Israel, should Iran follow through on its threat to attack. This follows the evacuation of approximately 8,000 Thai workers from Israel after the attack initiated by Hamas on October 7 last year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324933-thai-government-prepares-for-potential-iran-attack-on-israel/

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Student’s fatal fall from condo stirs Pathum Thani community
by Samantha Rose

 

Picture courtesy of SiamNews

 

A 27 year old female student tragically fell to her death from the fifth floor of a condominium early today. The incident occurred in the Mueang Ake community in Pathum Thani, where police and rescue services were swiftly summoned to the scene.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324934-student’s-fatal-fall-from-condo-stirs-pathum-thani-community/

 

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Concerns raised over legality of govt’s digital wallet borrowing plan
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives’ (BAAC) labour union raised concerns about the government’s plans to borrow 172.3 billion baht (US$4.7 billion) from the bank to fund a digital wallet handout scheme. The union is questioning the legality of this plan and has sought guidance from the State Enterprise Policy Office, the Bank of Thailand, and the Council of State.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324935-concerns-raised-over-legality-of-govt’s-digital-wallet-borrowing-plan/

 

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Songkran expected to boost Thailand’s economy with billions
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Thairath

 

The Songkran festival in Thailand this year is anticipated to bring between 140 and 200 billion baht into the country’s economy. The festival, which has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage event by Unesco, is predicted to attract 10 million international visitors who will contribute 11.8 billion baht to the total spending.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324936-songkran-expected-to-boost-thailand’s-economy-with-billions/

 

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PM Srettha joins the water splashing fun in Hua Hin

 

 

Sporting a colourful shirt and shorts and carrying a water gun, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin joined locals and tourists in the resort town of Hua Hin in celebrating Songkran in Pone Kingpetch Park, at an event arranged by the Hua Hin municipality.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324937-pm-srettha-joins-the-water-splashing-fun-in-hua-hin/

 

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PM dismisses rumours of imminent cabinet reshuffle

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has refuted yesterday’s rumour of a cabinet shakeup after the Songkran break, claiming that it was pure speculation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324938-pm-dismisses-rumours-of-imminent-cabinet-reshuffle/

 

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Thaksin in Chiang Mai again

 

Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra visits Chiang Mai province yesterday for the second time after being freed on parole in February.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324939-thaksin-in-chiang-mai-again/

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Heavily Injured Foreign Man Found Near Pattaya’s Walking Street, Police Investigate
By Adam Judd

 

 

Pattaya- An unidentified foreign man of Caucasian descent around 40 years old was found in a state of distress and injury early Thursday morning, with head wounds and covered in blood, prompting an emergency response from local rescue foundation officials in Pattaya City.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324940-heavily-injured-foreign-man-found-near-pattaya’s-walking-street-police-investigate/

 

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Pattaya Marks a Wild Songkran 2024, But Night Time Water Play Annoys Many
By Adam Judd

 

 

PATTAYA- The renowned Walking Street of Pattaya City was transformed into a vibrant arena of joy as both Thai and international tourists gathered to celebrate the official commencement of the Songkran Festival 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324941-pattaya-marks-a-wild-songkran-2024-but-night-time-water-play-annoys-many/

 

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Songkran Water Splashing Causes Viral Fight in Phuket
By Adam Judd

 

 

Phuket—At 4:20 PM, on April 13th, 2024, Thai social media posted a viral video of two foreigners having a dispute after one became upset after being sprayed with a water gun on Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324942-songkran-water-splashing-causes-viral-fight-in-phuket/

 

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Two Nigerian Men Arrested in Phuket for Allegedly Selling Cocaine
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – Two Nigerian men were arrested in Karon on Friday (April 12th) for allegedly selling cocaine.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324943-two-nigerian-men-arrested-in-phuket-for-allegedly-selling-cocaine/

 

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Phuket Records Total of 24 Accidents in Three days of ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’

By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket – Phuket has announced a total of 24 road accidents, 24 injuries, and zero deaths in three days (April 11th – April 13th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324944-phuket-records-total-of-24-accidents-in-3-days-of-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign/

 

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Young man found dead in Khon Kaen pond sparks police probe
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of Thairath

 

Tragedy struck when the body of a young man was discovered, his head brutally stuffed in a bag and submerged in a pond, triggering an urgent police investigation. The unsettling find was made at 10am today, April 14, in a water body within the Ban Ped area of Khon Kaen province, Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324945-young-man-found-dead-in-khon-kaen-pond-sparks-police-probe/

 

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Two Suspects in Fatal Shooting of Bangkok Technical College Student Sentenced to 21 Years in Jail
By Kittisak Phalaharn

 

 

Bangkok— On April 13th, 2024, the Thai Metropolitan Police Bureau’s investigation team (IDMB) publicly revealed on social media a jurisdiction’s decision regarding a technical college shooting incident on January 14th, 2024, at Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan, Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324946-two-suspects-in-fatal-shooting-of-bangkok-technical-college-student-sentenced-to-21-years/

 

 

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Thai Man Arrested After Allegedly Threatening Others With a Gun in Pattaya During Songkran

by Adam Judd

 

 

Pattaya-As Thailand’s Songkran Festival continues, the nation was immersed in the vibrant celebration of this long-standing cultural tradition. This year marked a significant milestone as UNESCO had recognized “Songkran in Thailand” as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324948-thai-man-arrested-after-allegedly-threatening-others-with-a-gun-in-pattaya-during-songkran/

 

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Top Regional Police Inspect Pattaya Area Police Checkpoints for Songkran
By Adam Judd

 

 

Banglamung, Pattaya – In a concerted effort to ensure public safety during the Songkran Festival, Police Major General Surajit Chingnawan, also known as “Burapha 3,” Deputy Commander of Police Region 2, visited several police stations in the Chonburi area to oversee the implementation of strict traffic policies.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324949-top-regional-police-inspect-pattaya-area-police-checkpoints-for-songkran/

 

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Scammer’s plan to use SpaceX Starlink satellites in transnational scam network targeting Thailand

by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

Police Lieutenant General Jiraphat Phuridet briefing the media on Friday, April 12th, on the haul discovered by police. Valued at ฿5.4 million, it appeared to be a call centre operation on the move out of Myanmar to Laos within the Golden Triangle.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324950-scammer’s-plan-to-use-starlink-satellites-in-transnational-scam-network-targeting-thailand/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Monday 15 April 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324953-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-monday-15-april-2024/

 

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Thailand Reports Total of 116 Deaths in Three Days of the ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Thailand – A total of 936 road accidents, with 968 injuries and 116 deaths, were reported on Sunday (April 14th) by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in three days (April 11th -April 13th) of the ‘Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ during Songkran (April 11th – April 17th) 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324960-thailand-reports-total-of-116-deaths-in-3-days-of-the-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign/

 

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Flights to Israel Return to Bangkok Amid Airspace Closure
by Krajangwit Johjit

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Immigration authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport responded to an unexpected turn of events when two Israel-bound flights were forced to return to Thailand early Sunday morning (Apr 14). The closures of airspace over Iraq, Israel, and Jordan, triggered by escalating military actions in the region, led to the diversion of the flights. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324962-flights-to-israel-return-to-bangkok-amid-airspace-closure/

 

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Songkran celebration turns tragic as stray bullet hits elderly man
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A celebration of Songkran took an alarming turn in Chachoengsao province when a stray bullet pierced through the ceiling and struck a 70 year old diabetic man, Somyot, who had previously lost a leg to his illness.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324963-songkran-celebration-turns-tragic-as-stray-bullet-hits-elderly-man/

 

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Songkran festival sees 1% rise in public transport usage in Thailand
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Chiang Mai News

 

Public transport usage during this year’s Songkran festival experienced a 1% increase compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, with around 5.6 million travellers across Thailand, as reported by the Transport Ministry.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324965-songkran-festival-sees-1-rise-in-public-transport-usage-in-thailand/

 

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Three Thai provinces suffer PM2.5 levels, most enjoy good air
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Thairath

 

As of this morning, only three provinces in northern and northeastern Thailand experienced seriously harmful levels of PM2.5 pollution, while the majority of the country enjoyed good air quality.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324966-three-thai-provinces-suffer-pm25-levels-most-enjoy-good-air/

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Charges laid against fraudulent immigration agent in Thailand

 

 

Charges have been laid against two visa agents in Thailand after Immigration New Zealand identified they were providing fake documents for visitor visa applicants.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324967-charges-laid-against-fraudulent-immigration-agent-in-thailand/

 

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UNESCO-recognised Songkran festival goes global
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand

 

Thailand’s Songkran Thai New Year celebrations have gathered international attention, with 35 foreign embassies collaborating with the Thai government to promote the festival worldwide.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324968-unesco-recognised-songkran-festival-goes-global/