THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 19 April 2024

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ASEANNOW has officially joined The Thaiger family, following the acquisition of all our digital assets by The Thaiger from Choice Group Asia Co., Ltd. This marks a significant milestone as we combine forces with one of Thailand’s top English language news publishers.

 

ASEAN NOW is Joining The Thaiger

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325285-aseannow-is-joining-the-thaiger/

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Deputy National Police Chief suspended

 

 

Pol Gen Kitrat Panphet, the acting national police chief, has signed the order to suspend deputy national police chief Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn and four more police officers accused of being involved in money laundering in relation to an online gambling network.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325319-deputy-national-police-chief-suspended/

 

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Thailand Post considers becoming virtual banking agent
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of spacebar.th

 

Thailand Post, the government-owned logistics firm, is examining the possibility of becoming a neutral virtual banking agent to supplement the functions of emerging virtual banks, according to Chief Executive Dhanant Subhadrabandhu.

 

Fuull story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325320-thailand-post-considers-becoming-virtual-banking-agent/

 

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Thailand scraps visa requirements for Kazakhstan tourists
by Mitch Connor 

 

Photo courtesy of Xinhua

 

The Thai Cabinet gave its nod for the permanent removal of visa requirements for tourists from Kazakhstan, a government spokesperson announced.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325321-thailand-scraps-visa-requirements-for-kazakhstan-tourists/

 

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Suspect identified in Thai woman’s London murder, killer on the run
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo via MET POLICE

 

Local police announced they have successfully identified the suspect in the murder of a 27 year old Thai woman in London but added that the killer may have fled abroad.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325323-suspect-identified-in-thai-woman’s-london-murder-killer-on-the-run/

 

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One-Way Traffic Takes Toll on Tourism at Jomtien Beach
By Aim Tanakorn

 

 

Jomtien, Chonburi — Jomtien Beach in Chonburi saw fewer tourists than expected during the recent Songkran holiday. Most businesses blame the ongoing one-way traffic system, which confuses visitors.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325324-one-way-traffic-takes-toll-on-tourism-at-jomtien-beach/

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Russian Man Dies, His Wife Slightly Injured, in Motorbike Crash in Karon, Phuket
By Goongnang Suksawat

 

 

Karon –An intoxicated Russian rider was pronounced dead at the scene while his Russian passenger, his wife, sustained injuries after a motorbike crash in Karon on Wednesday morning (April 17th) which marked the first death of the Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325325-russian-man-dies-his-wife-slightly-injured-in-motorbike-crash-in-karon-phuket/

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Major creditors to rescue distressed Italian-Thai Development
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of ITD

 

Italian-Thai Development (ITD) Plc, currently facing financial distress, is set to receive an infusion of funds from its major creditors. The provision of fresh capital is aimed at bolstering the company’s operations without necessitating any rehabilitation plan.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325326-major-creditors-to-rescue-distressed-italian-thai-development/

 

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Truck brake failure leads to fatal crash in Chiang Mai
by Nattapong Westwood

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A tragic accident occurred yesterday at 2.45pm in the Hod district of Chiang Mai when a six-wheeled truck’s brakes reportedly failed, causing it to crash into a procession of revellers. The incident resulted in the death of two individuals and serious injuries to two others.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325327-truck-brake-failure-leads-to-fatal-crash-in-chiang-mai/

 

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Pheu Thai Looks To Take Back House Speaker Seat
By Thai Newsroom Reporters

 

House Speaker Wan Muhamad Nor Matha. Photo: Thai Rath

 

THE PHEU THAI PLANS TO quietly press the Prachachart to return the post of House Speaker to the largest ruling party soon after the first round of cabinet reshuffle has been done, a partisan source said today (Apr 18).

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325328-pheu-thai-looks-to-take-back-house-speaker-seat/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 19 April 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325335-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-19-april-2024/

 

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British man arrested for begging to buy drugs in Koh Pha Ngan
by Petch Petpailin 

 

Photo via Matichon

 

Thai police arrested a British man after he allegedly begged for money to buy drugs outside a convenience store in Koh Pha Ngan, an island in the southern province of Surat Thani.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325339-british-man-arrested-for-begging-to-buy-drugs-in-koh-pha-ngan/

 

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Bangkok aims to reduce plastic use with more water refill stations
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

To combat plastic pollution, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Bottle Free Seas project has proven to be a roaring success, with plans now underway to expand its reach by installing an additional 200 drinking water refill points across the city.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325340-bangkok-aims-to-reduce-plastic-use-with-more-water-refill-stations/

 

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Thailand advances its bid for OECD membership to boost economy
by Alex Morgan

 

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is forging ahead with its application to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a move that is anticipated to significantly enhance the country’s economic growth.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325341-thailand-advances-its-bid-for-oecd-membership-to-boost-economy/

 

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Can a radical proposal save Phuket’s tourism crisis?
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal 

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod English

 

In a bid for autonomy, Phuket Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas is leading a daring move to transform the city into a special administrative organisation to save it from a tourism crisis. The current system, he claims, is holding back progress, leaving the island paradise struggling to keep pace with global rivals.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325342-can-a-radical-proposal-save-phuket’s-tourism-crisis/

 

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Xi Jinping’s bullet train gift sparks China-Thailand railway reality
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of CNBC

 

A replica of China’s Fuxing bullet train, bedecked in Thailand’s national colours and gifted during the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok in November 2022, now finds itself at the epicentre of a transformative railway saga between China and Thailand.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325343-xi-jinping’s-bullet-train-gift-sparks-china-thailand-railway-reality/

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Shinawatra saga: Yingluck’s comeback fuels legal limelight
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of The Nation

 

Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s potential return from exile sparks intrigue over her legal fate, mirroring her brother Thaksin’s tumultuous history, claims the Shinawatras’ lawyer.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325344-shinawatra-saga-yingluck’s-comeback-fuels-legal-limelight/

 

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UPDATE:

 

Jomtien Beach’s Songkran splash sees a dip in tourists
by Bob Scott 

 

Jomtien Beach in Chon Buri experienced a noticeable dip in the usual influx of visitors during the recent Songkran celebration.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325324-one-way-traffic-takes-toll-on-tourism-at-jomtien-beach/?do=findComment&comment=18853749

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Three year old girl survives Ferris wheel plunge in Bangkok
Photo of Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of Metro UK

 

In a heart-stopping moment captured on CCTV, a three year old Thai girl found herself dangling from a Ferris wheel gondola after a daring grab for a metal bar sent her on a terrifying ride at Liab Duan Market in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325345-three-year-old-girl-survives-ferris-wheel-plunge-in-bangkok/

 

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Songkran festival sees surge in road accidents across Thailand
by Top Top

 

Thailand is grappling with a surge in road accidents, with an alarming tally of 2,044 mishaps leading to 2,060 injuries and a tragic loss of 287 lives.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325346-songkran-festival-sees-surge-in-road-accidents-across-thailand/

 

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RTP seize 7.9 million baht assets from hybid-scam network
by Bob Scott

 

Picture courtesy of Pattaya News

 

In a sweeping operation dubbed “The Purge,” Royal Thai Police (RTP) officers from Mueang Thong Thani, in collaboration with relevant agencies, made significant strides in the battle against transnational crime on April 17. RTP officers seized assets worth over 250 million baht (US$7.9 million) from hybid-scam networks, a substantial blow to these criminal operations.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325348-rtp-seize-79-million-baht-assets-from-hybid-scam-network/

 

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MFP bill to penalise officials ignoring Parliament summons
by Bob Scott

 

Picture of Rangsiman Rome (centre) with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (left)

 

The Move Forward Party (MFP) has tabled a bill in the Parliament penalising ministers and state officials who disregard summons to testify before House committees. The bill, proposed by Rangsiman Rome, an MFP list-MP and the head of a House committee on state security, was formally presented to Parliament yesterday, April 18.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325350-mfp-bill-to-penalise-officials-ignoring-parliament-summons/

 

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Thai government’s triple referendum approach under scrutiny
by Mitch Connor

 

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Cabinet will acknowledge the government’s stance on a triple referendum as a part of the process to amend the entire charter next week, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. Phumtham asserted that despite being a protracted process, three referenda would ensure a judicious approach.

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1325351-thai-government’s-triple-referendum-approach-under-scrutiny/Full story: 

 

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UPDATE:

 

Acting police chief suspends Big Joke over gambling links
by Bob Scott 

 

Picture courtesy of Stay in Thailand

 

The acting national police chief has signed a suspension order for Deputy Chief Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn and four other subordinates over their alleged involvement with an online gambling network, as per a source close to the matter.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325319-deputy-national-police-chief-suspended/?do=findComment&comment=18854011

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George Anderssen interview about the The Thaiger - ASEAN NOW merger
 

 

FULL INTERVIEW: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325354-george-anderssen-interview-about-the-the-thaiger-asean-now-merger/

 

 

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Five dead in Nakhon Phanom road accident
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of KhaoSod

 

A road accident claimed the lives of five family members when their Isuzu D-Max pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole in Nakhon Phanom province.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325356-five-dead-in-nakhon-phanom-road-accident/

 

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New York officially recognises Songkran as an important cultural event

 

 

The legislative assembly of New York State has adopted a resolution designating Songkran as an important cultural event for the Asian-American community in the state.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325360-new-york-officially-recognises-songkran-as-an-important-cultural-event/

 

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Thai PM’s power play: Srettha hints at defence portfolio addition
by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Photo courtesy of X @Thavisin

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drops hints of an unprecedented power move, hinting at the possibility of adding the defence portfolio to his already hefty workload.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325361-thai-pm’s-power-play-srettha-hints-at-defence-portfolio-addition/

 

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Phuket launches free electric bus to drive sustainable tourism

 

Picture courtesy of Phuket News

 

Phuket is gearing up for a greener future with the launch of a free air-conditioned electric bus service in the heart of the city. Scheduled to accelerate on May 9, this eco-friendly initiative is driven by a collaboration between local companies under the banner of PKCD and the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325365-phuket-launches-free-electric-bus-to-drive-sustainable-tourism/

 

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Spain’s plastic law impacts Thai beverage exports

 

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

The Ministry of Commerce’s latest directive has set Thai entrepreneurs on a mission to crack the cap code in light of Spain’s latest law on plastic waste.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325366-spain’s-plastic-law-impacts-thai-beverage-exports/