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.

 

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

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

Bangkok Launches Major Pavement Renovation Project

 

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has initiated a pilot project to refurbish the city’s pavements, covering a combined length of 86 kilometers across 16 roads. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325078-bangkok-launches-major-pavement-renovation-project/

Songkran revellers left behind more than 100 tonnes of garbage on Silom and Khao San roads
 

Khao San Road on the morning after the last day of Songkran festival

The three-day Songkran water splashing on Khao San road was over on Monday night and left behind about 116 tonnes of garbage, mostly drinking water bottles, plastic bags, water guns, plastic buckets and traces of white clay flour, to be collected by city collectors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325107-songkran-revellers-left-behind-more-than-100-tonnes-of-garbage-on-silom-and-khao-san-roads/

 

UPDATE:

 

Tour Boat Catches Fire In Ayutthaya, All Aboard Rescued
by TNR Staff 

 

A fierce fire from the boat spreading to the pier. Photo: TV Channel 7

 

A TOUR BOAT of a well-known restaurant in Ayutthaya caught fire in the middle of Chao Pharya river at 2 p.m. today (Apr. 16) but fortunately all 24 tourists and the skipper were rescued by two other boats, TV Channel 7 said.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325089-tourist-boat-catches-fire-while-on-river-sight-seeing-in-ayutthaya/?do=findComment&comment=18848126

 

Big cabinet reshuffle talks confirmed by the PM after Songkran visit to Thonburi to meet Thaksin at home
by Joseph O' Connor

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Thaksin Shinawatra’s Ban Chan Song La residence in Thonburi. (Inset) The Prime Minister wishes Mr Thaksin a Happy New Year as part of Songkran by pouring water over his head.

Major cabinet reshuffle talks confirmed by PM Srettha Thavisin after a Songkran visit to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Thonburi. Several ministers, including the senior ones at public health and defence, are expected to be replaced.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325108-cabinet-reshuffle-talks-confirmed-by-pm-after-songkran-visit-to-thonburi-to-meet-thaksin/

 

Gold prices in Thailand surge to historic 42,050 baht high
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of Jingming Pan, Unsplash

 

Gold prices reached a new high today, with the Gold Traders Association (GTA) reporting a significant increase to 42,050 baht per baht weight, marking a historic surge. In a remarkable shift, gold ornament prices soared by 600 baht compared to the previous day’s closing figures.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325109-gold-prices-in-thailand-surge-to-historic-42050-baht-high/

 

UPDATE:

 

PM Dampens Speculation Of Taking Over Defence Portfolio
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin visiting de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra, above, and waving to supporters outside the latter’s house, Photo: Naewna

 

PRIME MINISTER SRETTHA Thavisin today (Apr. 16) downplayed speculation he himself would likely replace Suthin Khlangsang as defence minister in concurrent fashion, repeatedly saying nothing about an imminent cabinet reshuffle can be confirmed by him for the time being.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325108-cabinet-reshuffle-talks-confirmed-by-pm-after-songkran-visit-to-thonburi-to-meet-thaksin/?do=findComment&comment=18848136

Thailand Records Total of 206 Deaths in Five Days of the ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

A total of 1,564 road accidents, with 1,593 injuries and 206 deaths, were reported on Tuesday (April 16th) by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in five days (April 11th -April 15th) of the ‘Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ during Songkran (April 11th – April 17th) 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325110-thailand-records-total-of-206-deaths-in-5-days-of-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign/

 

Rawai Road Collision Results in Multiple Injuries and Infrastructure Damage
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Rawai, Phuket-In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a serious traffic incident occurred in Rawai, leading to a sequence of accidents that resulted in injuries and significant damage to public infrastructure.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325111-rawai-road-collision-results-in-multiple-injuries-and-infrastructure-damage/

 

UPDATE:

 

Phuket Records a Total of 39 Accidents in Five Days of the ‘Songkran Seven Days of Road Safety Campaign’
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Phuket –Phuket has announced a total of 39 road accidents, 39 injuries, and zero deaths in the first five days (April 11th – April 15th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′.

 

Fulll story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325086-phuket’s-seven-days-safety-campaign-shows-zero-fatalities/?do=findComment&comment=18848144

 

Fire Destroys Home in Wichit
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Wichit – A fire has destroyed an old wooden house in Wichit on Tuesday (April 16th).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325112-fire-destroys-home-in-wichit/

 

Fire Breaks Out at Former Nightclub in Sattahip
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Sattahip, Chonburi — A fire broke out at a former nightclub in Sattahip, Chonburi, on April 15th, 2024. Nobody was injured.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325113-fire-breaks-out-at-former-nightclub-in-sattahip/

 

Police to Enforce One-Way Traffic System During Wan Lai Naklua Festival on April 18th
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Naklua, Chonburi — The Banglamung Police Station announced plans to enforce a one-way traffic system to facilitate traffic flow in the Naklua area for the upcoming Wan Lai Naklua Festival on April 18th.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325114-police-to-enforce-one-way-traffic-system-during-wan-lai-naklua-festival-on-april-18/

 

Pattaya Teenager Flashes Two Guns During Songkran, Later Arrested
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya —A teenager was caught on camera brandishing two firearms at his rivals during a Songkran celebration in Pattaya on the evening of April 15th, 2024. The incident occurred just a few hundred meters from the Pattaya Police Station.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325115-pattaya-teenager-flashes-two-guns-during-songkran-later-arrested/

Pattaya’s Newest Beachfront Market Prepares for Splashy Debut
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Pattaya —The brand new Pattaya beachfront market, Chang Beach Street Food, is throwing a splashy Songkran party to celebrate its grand opening!

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325119-pattaya’s-newest-beachfront-market-prepares-for-splashy-debut/

 

Massive Success: Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 Draws 784,000 Participants, Generates 2.8 Billion Baht Economy Boost

By Kittisak Phalaharn 

 

 

Bangkok—On April 16th, 2024, Mr. Chai Watcharong, the Thai Government spokesman, publicly revealed details of a successful “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024” event from April 11th to the 15th, at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road and Sanam Luang, Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325121-massive-success-maha-songkran-world-water-festival-2024-draws-784000-participants/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 17 April 2024
 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325126-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-17-april-2024/

 

Thai woman found murdered in Bangkok hotel, Indian guest prime suspect
 

 

On April 16, 2567, the Police Investigation Unit of Talat Phlu Market received a report of a homicide in room 210 of a five-story hotel located on Soi Wutthakat 14, Talat Phlu District, Thonburi, Bangkok, reported Siam Rath.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325117-thai-woman-found-murdered-in-bangkok-hotel-indian-guest-prime-suspect/

 

Chinese woman stabs husband to death in alcohol-fueled quarrel
 

 

Police in Bangkok's Khlong Tan district responded to a report of a domestic altercation involving a knife at a residence on Soi Phattanakan 38.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325118-chinese-woman-stabs-husband-to-death-in-alcohol-fueled-quarrel/

 

Liquor firms exploit music marketing to boost product visibility
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Rad Season

 

Stop-Drink Network Thailand has raised concerns about liquor corporations’ use of music marketing tactics to advertise their products.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325130-liquor-firms-exploit-music-marketing-to-boost-product-visibility/

 

Nearly 100k return to Bangkok post-Songkran via public transport
by Top

 

Picture courtesy of BorKorSor

 

The acting director and president of Transport Company Ltd made a public announcement yesterday, disclosing the substantial numbers of citizens returning to Bangkok after the Songkran festival. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325131-nearly-100k-return-to-bangkok-post-songkran-via-public-transport/

 

Chiang Mai Zoo splashes 29 million baht on renovated aquarium
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture of children watching a giant sea turtle courtesy of Chiang Mai Zoo

 

Chiang Mai Zoo proudly unveiled its renovated aquarium following a substantial financial investment of over 29 million baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325132-chiang-mai-zoo-splashes-29-million-baht-on-renovated-aquarium/

UPDATE:

 

Foreign man drowns while retrieving water gun in canal in Bangkok
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ สำนักข่าวราษฎร - Ratsadon News

 

A foreign man drowned while reportedly retrieving his water gun in the Saen Saep Canal in Bangkok during the Songkran Festival on April 14. His nationality wasn’t specified.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324997-foreign-tourist-drowns-trying-to-retrieve-water-gun-from-bangkok-canal/?do=findComment&comment=18848926

Nakhon Ratchasima farmer wins 12 million baht lottery
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A timely stroke of luck has befallen a widowed farmer in Nakhon Ratchasima as he won a staggering 12 million baht in the lottery, with plans to generously donate a boat to a local rowing club because of his grandchild’s national team success.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325134-nakhon-ratchasima-farmer-wins-12-million-baht-lottery/

 

Thailand’s foreign tourism boom: 10 million visitors fuel 500 billion windfall
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Ragnar Vorel, Unsplash

 

Thailand has welcomed over 10 million foreign tourists this year alone, leading to revenue exceeding 500 billion baht, reported the Tourism and Sports Ministry. The data, up to date as of yesterday, shows 10,723,953 foreign visitors have contributed to an income of 518 billion baht (US$14 billion).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325135-thailand’s-foreign-tourism-boom-10-million-visitors-fuel-500-billion-windfall/

 

Bangkok police seize 40,000 meth pills in Sai Mai district bust
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A significant drug bust occurred today when police apprehended a 32 year old man with a shipment of 40,000 methamphetamine pills in Bangkok’s Sai Mai district. The arrest took place in a desolate area within Soi Sukhaphiban 5 Soi 32, following a covert investigation that linked the drug dealer, Teerapong, to the distribution of drugs to local retailers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325136-bangkok-police-seize-40000-meth-pills-in-sai-mai-district-bust/

 

Love triangle: 2 Chinese men injured after fighting over Thai woman
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via ThaiRath

 

Two Chinese men suffered injuries after they fought for the hand of a Thai woman outside her condo in the central province of Prachin Buri on April 13.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325137-love-triangle-2-chinese-men-injured-after-fighting-over-thai-woman/

 

Duo steals million-baht diamond bracelet from Bangkok mall
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A sophisticated heist unfolded at a renowned shopping mall in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district yesterday, where thieves made off with a diamond bracelet valued at over 1 million baht.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325138-duo-steals-million-baht-diamond-bracelet-from-bangkok-mall/

 

Relocation of cadmium tailings from Bangkok commences May 7
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of Police

 

The logistics of relocating cadmium tailings from Samut Sakhon, Bangkok, and Chon Buri back to their original location in Tak is set to start on May 7. Bound & Beyond Plc, the company responsible for the task, has a deadline of 36 days to execute the operation, as stated by Pimphattra Wichaikul, the Industry Minister.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325139-relocation-of-cadmium-tailings-from-bangkok-commences-may-7/

 

UPDATE:

Indian man arrested for murder of Thai girlfriend at hotel in Bangkok
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

Police arrested an Indian man in the central province of Kanchanaburi for the murder of his Thai girlfriend at a hotel in Bangkok. The woman’s dead body was found in a hotel room on April 16 with 31 stab wounds across her body.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325117-thai-woman-found-murdered-in-bangkok-hotel-indian-guest-prime-suspect/?do=findComment&comment=18849157