Another 38 people were killed and 311 others were injured in 317 road accidents on Sunday, bringing total death toll for four days since April 11th to 162. Altogether 1,279 people were injured.

 

162 people killed, 1,279 injured in road accidents in past four days

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325013-162-people-killed-1279-injured-in-road-accidents-in-past-four-days/

 

Sudden scaffolding collapse prompts investigation on Rama II Road

 

PHOTO VIA:Wikepedia

 

A sudden scaffolding collapse on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province prompted an immediate investigation, as ordered by Department of Highways Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324999-sudden-scaffolding-collapse-prompts-investigation-on-rama-ii-road/

 

Foreign tourist drowns trying to retrieve water gun from Bangkok canal

 

PHOTO: KomchadLuek

 

A foreign tourist has died after drowning in a Bangkok canal while celebrating Songkran. Nation Thailand reports that the tourist’s body was recovered from the Saen Saep canal, by the Khlong Saen Saep Pier, under the Chalerm Lok Bridge.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324997-foreign-tourist-drowns-trying-to-retrieve-water-gun-from-bangkok-canal/

 

Thai Airways adjusts Europe flights amid Iran-Israel tension
by Mitch Connor

 

 PHOTO VIA: Bing Hui Yau FROM:Unsplash.com

 

Thai Airways International has realigned its Europe-bound flights to circumvent the Middle East following Iran’s onslaught on Israel. Concurrently, the Foreign Ministry has reported no immediate repercussions on Thai nationals in Iran and Israel.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325014-thai-airways-adjusts-europe-flights-amid-iran-israel-tension/

 

4-day Songkran festival brought 500m Baht to Khaosan Road

 

 

The 4-day festival, which is held from April 12 to 15, injected around 500m to 600m baht into circulation for businesses on Khaosan Road, according to Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khaosan Road Business Association.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325015-4-day-songkran-festival-brought-500m-baht-to-khaosan-road/

 

Yingluck’s Planned Homecoming Only Up To Thaksin: Ex-Democrat MP
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra enjoying Songkran festival at a Thai restaurant in London. Photo: Thai Rath

 

WHETHER AND WHEN deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra might eventually return home from self-exile abroad without being subsequently thrown into jail would only depend on her own brother/de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra and nobody else.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325016-yingluck’s-planned-homecoming-only-up-to-thaksin-ex-democrat-mp/

 

Jubilant Thaksin Shows No Signs Of ‘Illnesses’ While Attending Chiang Mai’s Songkran Festival
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra celebrating Songkran festival in Chiang Mai. Top photo: Naewna

 

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra has been seen jubilantly joining northern villagers in celebrating Songkran festival at venues in Chiang Mai over the weekend without a single trace of any “illnesses” as earlier claimed.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325018-thaksin-shows-no-signs-of-‘illnesses’-while-attending-chiang-mai’s-songkran-festival/

Belgian tourist brutally attacked in Hua Hin, friend seeks justice
By Online Reporter

 

File photo

A Belgian retiree was gravely injured in an unprovoked attack in Hua Hin over a week ago, according to officials and witnesses.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325019-belgian-tourist-brutally-attacked-in-hua-hin-friend-seeks-justice/

 

Phuket Records a Total of 30 Accidents in Four days of ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket –Phuket has announced a total of 30 road accidents, 30 injuries, and zero deaths in the first four days (April 11th – April 14th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325020-phuket-records-a-total-of-30-accidents-in-4-days-of-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign’/

 

Japanese man dies in Bangkok hotel fall, lands on car
by Nattapong Westwood

 

PHOTO VIA: Andre Furtado FROM:Unsplash.com

 

A 52 year old Japanese man died after falling from a Bangkok hotel, landing on a parked car. He was staying alone and no signs of violence were found when the room was searched.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325021-japanese-man-dies-in-bangkok-hotel-fall-lands-on-car/

 

Car fire at Bangkok temple parking spurs emergency response
by Nattapong Westwood

 

PHOTO VIA: Dominik Sostmann FROM:Unsplash.com

 

A sudden car fire erupted in the parking lot of a well-known temple in the Bang Chak area of Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. The incident was reported today, April 15, and officials are currently investigating the cause.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325022-car-fire-at-bangkok-temple-parking-spurs-emergency-response/

 

PM to discuss possible cabinet shakeup with coalition parties

 

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will hold talks with leaders of coalition parties to discuss a cabinet reshuffle, noting that it is necessary to make adjustments in line with the changing situation after about seven months in office and to make sure that the right people are in the right jobs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325023-pm-to-discuss-possible-cabinet-shakeup-with-coalition-parties/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 16 April 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325031-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-16-april-2024/

 

Chiang Mai battles extensive forest fires and severe air pollution
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of bangkokbiznews

 

Chiang Mai, a city in the northern region of Thailand, is currently combating an alarming number of forest fires, with over 15 fires reported, some of which have been persisting for three days. As per the local authorities, 17 out of 153 hotspots were detected in the city yesterday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325035-chiang-mai-battles-extensive-forest-fires-and-severe-air-pollution/

 

Tak’s disposal pits scrutinised ahead of cadmium tailings relocation
by Mitch Connor 

 

Picture courtesy of Tak Provincial Industry Office

 

The disposal pits in Tak are under tight scrutiny by the Industry Ministry and local agencies, as they prepare for the relocation of cadmium tailings from Samut Sakhon.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325036-tak’s-disposal-pits-scrutinised-ahead-of-cadmium-tailings-relocation/

 

Fisheries reform: Bangkok risks backtracking on exploitation
by Steve Suwannarat

 

Under pressure from local businessmen, Parliament wants to relax stringent regulations on the protection of the sea and working conditions on fishing vessels, which are often linked to human trafficking. The current law had been passed in 2015 under pressure from the European Union, which threatened a ban on local fish products. But now, with industrial production in crisis, Thailand hopes to catch up by 'liberalising' the sector.

 

 

Bangkok (AsiaNews) - The Thai parliament is preparing to examine several bills that would lead to a substantial revision of the laws governing the fishing industry.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325037-fisheries-reform-bangkok-risks-backtracking-on-exploitation/

 

Post-Songkran travel surge leads to heavy traffic into Bangkok
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of matichon

 

Traffic swelled on the roads heading towards Bangkok as the long holiday season drew to a close, with authorities opening additional lanes to manage the influx. Yesterday, citizens began returning to the capital in droves after celebrating the Songkran festival.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325038-post-songkran-travel-surge-leads-to-heavy-traffic-into-bangkok/

 

Lone thief snatches 210,000 baht gold necklace in a daring mall heist
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A bold theft occurred yesterday at 7pm when a lone robber seized a 5-baht weight gold necklace valued at over 210,000 baht from the Aurora gold shop located inside a shopping mall in Bang Kaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan Province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325039-lone-thief-snatches-210000-baht-gold-necklace-in-a-daring-mall-heist/

 

Thailand’s CPPD calls for collective action against youth vaping
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon

 

A plea has been made by the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) for collective action to safeguard Thai youngsters from the adverse health effects of e-cigarettes.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325041-thailand’s-cppd-calls-for-collective-action-against-youth-vaping/

 

UPDATE:

 

Krabi’s Phi Phi islands tackle severe freshwater shortage
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Ao Nang OrBortor

 

The Phi Phi Islands, a prominent tourist attraction in Krabi, are grappling with a severe shortage of freshwater. The local authorities are exploring potential solutions, with two options under consideration – a pipeline bringing water from the mainland or the production of freshwater from the sea, according to the Ao Nang Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324864-phi-phi-islands-tackle-critical-water-shortage/?do=findComment&comment=18846348

Thai authorities plan for potential energy cost surge amid Israel-Iran conflict
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of engin akyurt, Unsplash

 

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has issued directives to state bodies to devise strategies to mitigate potential surges in energy costs in the event of an escalation in the Israel-Iran conflict.

 

Fuull story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325042-thai-authorities-plan-for-potential-energy-cost-surge-amid-israel-iran-conflict/

 

Chinese firms eye EV supply chain in Thailand’s Smart Park
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of JUICE, Unsplash

 

Chinese companies have shown keen interest in the EV supply chain and energy sectors of the Smart Park Industrial Estate, situated in Rayong, Thailand. This estate is due to open by the end of the current year, according to the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325045-chinese-firms-eye-ev-supply-chain-in-thailand’s-smart-park/

 

Four arrested in Phuket with over 12,000 methamphetamine pills seized
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Thalang Police

 

Four individuals have been apprehended by Thalang Police in Phuket on charges related to drugs, with over 12,000 methamphetamine pills, locally known as ya bah, confiscated in the process.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325048-four-arrested-in-phuket-with-over-12000-methamphetamine-pills-seized/

 

Minivan passengers pass out from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

By Peter Roche

 

PHOTO: Thai Rath

Five out of six people travelling in a passenger minivan fell ill and lost consciousness due to suspected carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325049-minivan-passengers-pass-out-from-suspected-carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

 

Thai lottery fever spikes as lucky numbers circulate ahead of April draw
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The excitement is palpable as the Thai lottery draw for April 16, approaches, with lottery enthusiasts eagerly seeking out lucky numbers in anticipation of becoming the next millionaire.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325050-thai-lottery-fever-spikes-as-lucky-numbers-circulate-ahead-of-april-draw/

 

Procession brawl in Chiang Mai leads to hefty 75,000 baht fines
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of chiangmainews

 

Chaos erupted during a traditional procession in Chom Thong, Chiang Mai, when a violent brawl broke out among participants, undeterred by the potential for a hefty fine of 75,000 baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325051-procession-brawl-in-chiang-mai-leads-to-hefty-75000-baht-fines/

 

Tourism sector divided over elected versus appointed provincial governors
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Evan Krause, Unsplash

 

The debate over elected provincial governors versus appointed heads is intensifying, revealing a divide among tourism operators. This issue gained momentum during last year’s general election, when several political parties, including Pheu Thai, proposed allowing locals to elect their governors, a practice already in place in Bangkok and Pattaya.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325054-tourism-sector-divided-over-elected-versus-appointed-provincial-governors/

 

PM Srettha visits Thaksin for Songkran water blessings

 

 

PM Srettha Thavisin spent the morning of the final day of official Songkran public holidays visiting Thaksin Shinawatra at Chan Song La mansion.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325072-pm-srettha-visits-thaksin-for-songkran-water-blessings/

 

Surachate Hakparn: The rollercoaster career of Thailand’s most famous policeman

 

Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn at the press conference on alleged online gambling involvement (22/02/2024)

 

Deputy National Police chief Pol General Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn sounds surprisingly cheerful given that his high-flying career has just plunged into another crisis.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325073-surachate-hakparn-the-rollercoaster-career-of-thailand’s-most-famous-policeman/

 

PM Defends Digital Wallet Scheme Amid Concerns

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has reaffirmed his confidence in the government's 500-billion-baht digital wallet handout scheme, designed as a one-time initiative to boost consumer spending and stimulate economic activity. Despite concerns over its potential to increase reliance on government support, the prime minister clarified that the scheme has distinct terms compared to past handouts, including a stipulation that funds must be spent locally.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325076-pm-defends-digital-wallet-scheme-amid-concerns/