The six-day Songkran festival holiday in Thailand ended in tragedy as road accidents claimed the lives of 243 people and left 1,837 others injured. As announced by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob on Wednesday, some 1,811 traffic accidents were recorded from April 11 to 16, coinciding with the period when many individuals travel back to their home provinces to join in the Songkran celebrations. Motorcycles were implicated in 84.9% of these traffic accidents.

 

Songkran festival ends with 243 deaths in traffic accidents

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325172-songkran-festival-ends-with-243-deaths-in-traffic-accidents/

Crackdown on foreign criminals – spotlight on Phuket

 

FILE PHOTO: The Phuket News

 

The authorities in Thailand continue to crack down on foreign criminals operating businesses illegally, using Thai nominees, lacking work permits, overstaying and “stealing” Thai jobs.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325164-crackdown-on-foreign-criminals-–-spotlight-on-phuket/

 

Thailand launches eco, astro, and digital nomad visas for 2024 travellers
by Kamaljeet Singh

 

Photo via Dall-E

 

As you plan your upcoming trip to Thailand in 2024, staying updated on the changing visa regulations with careful attention and a positive outlook is crucial.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325151-thailand-launches-eco-astro-and-digital-nomad-visas-for-2024-travellers/

 

Overnight Pattaya Ice Factory Explosion Leads to Chemical Hazard, at Least 60 People Injured
By Adam Judd

 

 

Nongprue, Near Pattaya-In the late hours of April 17th, 2024, the quiet of Chonburi Province was shattered by an explosion at the Banglamung Ice Factory.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325211-overnight-ice-factory-explosion-leads-to-chemical-hazard-at-least-60-people-injured/

‘Doi Suthep forest fires now under control’ – Chiang Mai Governor
 

Forest fires on Doi Suthep (April 17, 2024)

Forest fires broke out at two main spots on Doi Suthep, a famous tourist destination in Chiang Mai.The blaze can clearly be seen from a distance.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325210-‘doi-suthep-forest-fires-now-under-control’-–-chiang-mai-governor/

Reckless Driving on Pha Ngan Island: Foreigners’ Beachside SUV Stunt Sparks Safety Concerns VIDEO
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Surat Thani, Thailand – In a recent incident that has sparked widespread concern, a video surfaced online showing an SUV recklessly racing along Baan Kai Beach on Pha Ngan Island.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325212-reckless-driving-foreigners’-beachside-suv-stunt-sparks-safety-concerns-video/

Move Forward party given until May 3rd to submit charter court defence

 

 

The Constitutional Court has agreed to give the Move Forward party another 15 days to present evidence in its defence against an application, by the Election Commission, seeking the dissolution of the party and banishment of its executive committee members from politics for 10 years, on charges of attempting to overthrow the country’s Constitutional Monarchy.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325213-move-forward-party-given-until-may-3rd-to-submit-charter-court-defence/

 

Thai man and foreigner clash over water splash dispute (video)
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ อยากดังเดี๋ยวจัดให้ รีเทริน์ part 6

 

A water splash dispute between a foreign man and a Thai man became more than a storm in a coffee cup at a petrol station in the eastern province of Rayong sparking controversy on Thai social media. The argument reportedly began when the Thai man splashed water into the foreign man’s coffee cup.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325214-thai-man-and-foreigner-clash-over-water-splash-dispute-video/

 

Prayut’s Protege Tipped To Be Named Deputy Defence Minister
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his protege Nattapon Nakpanich. Photo: Amarin TV

 

NATTAPON NAKPANICH who is largely expected to be named a deputy defence minister in an imminent cabinet reshuffle has been more or less known as a protege of former coup leader-turned-prime minister/now privy councillor Prayut Chan-o-cha, according to a prominent NIDA director.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325215-prayut’s-protege-tipped-to-be-named-deputy-defence-minister/

Tourist Depressed At Condition Of Lopburi Zoo
by TNR Staff

 

 

Lopburi zoo animals. Photos from Kritsada Chaisongkram’s Facebook page and shared by Thai Rath

 

A THAI tourist who visited Lopburi zoo wrote about the pitiful condition of the animals in the current excruciating heat having noticed that there was no water in some cages but the zoo management headed off the criticism by saying the animals are being regularly given water with there being taps in the cages and monkeys know how to use it, Thai Rath newspaper said today (Apr. 17).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325218-tourist-depressed-at-condition-of-lopburi-zoo/

 

Big Joke requests time as Bangkok police station weighs cases against him and the police chief
by James Morris and Son Nguyen

 

An authorised lawyer for General Surachate Hakparn or ‘Big Joke’, 27-year-old Ms Pimpisut Chanlert, requested an extension of ten days for the top policeman to deliver his testimony in the money laundering case against him. She filed the request on Wednesday at Tao Poon Police Station, which is prosecuting the case. She cited a need to collate large volumes of data to properly present his defence.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325221-big-joke-requests-time-as-bangkok-police-station-weighs-cases-against-him/

 

UPDATE:

 

 

Chemical explosion at Banglamung ice factory affects over 60 people
by Top Top

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya Rescue Facebook

 

A chemical explosion disrupted the peaceful night in Nongprue, near Pattaya, at the Banglamung Ice Factory last night, April 17. The explosion, taking place around 11.36pm, unleashed a cloud of chemicals into the sky, prompting swift action from local authorities. By 4am today, the situation was under control, with no deaths or severe injuries reported.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325211-overnight-ice-factory-explosion-leads-to-chemical-hazard-at-least-60-people-injured/?do=findComment&comment=18850863

 

Vendors’ dispute escalates to violence at Pattaya’s Bali Hai Pier
by Top 

 

Picture courtesy of สยามชล นิวส์ Facebook

 

A violent altercation erupted among vendors at the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya yesterday morning, April 17, leaving four people wounded, one in grave condition. The dispute, which escalated to include the use of a knife, took place in the parking area of the pier in South Pattaya around 9.30am.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325222-vendors’-dispute-escalates-to-violence-at-pattaya’s-bali-hai-pier/

 

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 18 April 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325223-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-18-april-2024/

 

Security volunteer shot dead at father’s grave in Yala
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of ทันข่าวภาคใต้ Facebook

 

A fatal shooting incident took a grim turn in Yala when a security volunteer was brutally assassinated while he was reading the Quran at his father’s grave.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325226-security-volunteer-shot-dead-at-father’s-grave-in-yala/

 

Thailand’s PTT Plc sees future in hydrogen fuel for vehicles
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

PTT Plc, Thailand’s national oil and gas conglomerate, is forecasting a future where hydrogen could potentially replace oil-powered vehicles, contributing to the reduction of air pollutants.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325228-thailand’s-ptt-plc-sees-future-in-hydrogen-fuel-for-vehicles/

 

Songkran celebration turns violent in Phitsanulok with gang attack
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

A gang of youths caused a stir on the streets of Phitsanulok as the first day of Songkran turned violent and resulted in several serious injuries. The incident, which occurred on April 13, began when a group of young men climbed onto a vehicle and sexually assaulted a woman.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325229-songkran-celebration-turns-violent-in-phitsanulok-with-gang-attack/

 

Thailand faces severe weather with strong winds and 42C heatwave
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Picture courtesy of Freepik

 

A severe weather warning has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) for 39 provinces today, forecasting thunderstorms, strong winds, and potential hail, especially in the northern and northeastern regions. The country is also experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring to a peak of 42 degrees Celsius.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325230-thailand-faces-severe-weather-with-strong-winds-and-42c-heatwave/

 

UPDATE:

 

Ammonia Leak At Ice Factory Sends Scores To Hospital
by TNR Staff

 

The ice factory where the ammonia leaked last night. Photo: Amarin TV

 

OVER a hundred people were hospitalised in Chonburi last night (Apr. 17) after ammonia leaked at an ice factory with people living within a kilometre radius of the plant told to evacuate, Amarin TV said this morning.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325211-overnight-ice-factory-explosion-leads-to-chemical-hazard-at-least-60-people-injured/?do=findComment&comment=18851264

 

Thailand’s revenue department ups tax amid economic slowdown
by Alex Morgan 

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Revenue Department faces a challenging year in meeting its tax collection targets, owing to a slowdown in economic activities. Despite this, five sectors have been identified as promising.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325232-thailand’s-revenue-department-ups-tax-amid-economic-slowdown/

 

UPDATE:

 

Thailand forges ‘Strategic Partnership’ with New Zealand
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of  Bangkok Post

 

Thailand and New Zealand have vowed to embark on a historic “Strategic Partnership” journey by 2026, commemorating seven decades of diplomatic camaraderie, revealed government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325182-new-zealand-pm-visits-thailand-to-strengthen-ties/?do=findComment&comment=18851301

 

6 Thai men arrested for attacking 2 foreigners during Songkran
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ ร้อยเอ็ด ทันข่าว

 

Police arrested six Thai men for beating and stabbing two foreign men during the Songkran festival in the Isaan province of Roi Et on April 15.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325235-6-thai-men-arrested-for-attacking-2-foreigners-during-songkran/

 

Bangkok chef discovers newborn remains in suitcase
by Nattapong Westwood 

 

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A shocking discovery was made early yesterday morning when a chef found the remains of a newborn in his luggage, leading police to launch an investigation into the tragic incident. The 41 year old chef, Chusak, was unaware that his 30 year old wife, Panadda, was pregnant.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325237-bangkok-chef-discovers-newborn-remains-in-suitcase/

 

Thai AirAsia to resume Bangkok-Hat Yai flights
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Airways

 

Thai AirAsia officially announced that it will restart its route between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Hat Yai.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325239-thai-airasia-to-resume-bangkok-hat-yai-flights/

 

Phuket’s reservoirs promise adequate water supply until rains
by Mitch Connor

 

Picture courtesy of NBT Phuket

 

Phuket‘s three primary reservoirs are sufficiently water-filled to ensure the island’s inhabitants have enough water until the annual rains due next month, confirmed Krirksak Leenanon, the Chief of Phuket Irrigation Office.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325240-phuket’s-reservoirs-promise-adequate-water-supply-until-rains/

 

UPDATE:

 

Sanam Luang Songkran bash smashes records
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) declared the recent Songkran celebrations at Sanam Luang in Bangkok a resounding success, drawing in a staggering 784,000 participants. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool shared the triumphant news at a press conference, unveiling the splashing success of the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325121-massive-success-maha-songkran-world-water-festival-2024-draws-784000-participants/?do=findComment&comment=18851427

 

Hong Kong man arrested with drugs at Songkran event in Bangkok
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via MGR Online

 

Police arrested a man from Hong Kong at the S2O Songkran Music Festival 2024 water fight in the Ratchada area of  Bangkok on April 16 for possession of ketamine and happy water.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325241-hong-kong-man-arrested-with-drugs-at-songkran-event-in-bangkok/

 

Thailand’s aviation sector set for soaring recovery
Photo of Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand’s skies are set for a dramatic rebound as aviation bodies predict a swift recovery in passenger numbers by next year.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325242-thailand’s-aviation-sector-set-for-soaring-recovery/

 

Thai woman crashes pickup into traffic cop in Lop Buri
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via Facebook/ โจโฉ

 

A 26 year old Thai woman crashed her pickup into a traffic police officer on Highway No. 21 in the central province of Lop Buri on April 16, causing serious injuries to the officer.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325243-thai-woman-crashes-pickup-into-traffic-cop-in-lop-buri/

 

Thaksin Seeks Annex To ‘Secret Deal’ To Bring Yingluck Back Home
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with her brother de facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra. Photo: Thai Rath

 

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra is virtually seeking a fresh annex to a “secret deal” which he had earlier made with the powers-that-be to the extent that his sister/deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra be literally free to return home from self-exile abroad sooner or later without being subsequently thrown in jail, according to partisan sources.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325248-thaksin-seeks-annex-to-‘secret-deal’-to-bring-yingluck-back-home/