THAILAND LIVE Thailand Live Friday 26 April 2024

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The Federation of Thai Tourism Associations has issued a warning to the Thai government alerting that the level of tourism has reached a critical point. According to forecasts, the number of foreign visitors in 2024 will be about 40 million, similar to the last pre-COVID year, 2019. This could strain both local environments and tourist experience.

 

Officials Concerned Over Potential Overcrowding in Pattaya and Phuket

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325908-officials-concerned-over-potential-overcrowding-in-pattaya-and-phuket/

 

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New Zealand brothers still under Phuket custody, waiting for a trial date

 

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Two brothers from New Zealand, Hamish and Oscar Day, aged 34 and 36 respectively, remain in custody in Phuket, following a conflict with a local police officer in March. Their charges include robbery, assault of an officer, attempted bribery, and unlicensed motorbike riding.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325905-new-zealand-brothers-still-under-phuket-custody-waiting-for-a-trial-date/

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Big Joke demands top job at Royal Thai Police HQ

 

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General Surachate Hakparn, popularly known as 'Big Joke', made his return to the Royal Thai Police headquarters this Thursday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325939-big-joke-demands-top-job-at-royal-thai-police-hq/

 

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Krabi Faces Water Shortage, Phi Phi Islands Sans Tap Water

 

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A severe freshwater crisis has hit Thailand's southern province of Krabi, leaving Phi Phi Islands without tap water. In several other regions, residents receive tap water only on alternate days.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325941-krabi-faces-water-shortage-phi-phi-islands-sans-tap-water/

 

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Toxic Smoke Engulfs Bangkok's Rama 2 Area Due to Chemical Leak

 

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The early hours of August 25 saw clouds of toxic smoke emanating from a chemical leak at a factory in Bangkok’s Rama 2 area. The local disaster prevention and mitigation department, along with firefighters, rushed to halt the leakage that began around 2:10 a.m.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325942-toxic-smoke-engulfs-bangkoks-rama-2-area-due-to-chemical-leak/

 

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US Navy's Carrier Strike Group Visits Thailand before West Pacific Operations 

 

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The United States Navy's Carrier Strike Group 9, led by the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), is currently docked at Thailand's Laem Chabang port in Chonburi.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325943-us-navys-carrier-strike-group-visits-thailand-before-west-pacific-operations /

 

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Private Talks Between Thaksin, Srettha Fuel Cabinet Reshuffle Speculation

 

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Thaksin Shinawatra, de facto Pheu Thai boss and convict on parole, had a private meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai. The meeting, suspected to discuss a cabinet reshuffle, was conducted at a high-end Sukhumvit Road hotel in Bangkok.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325945-private-talks-between-thaksin-srettha-fuel-cabinet-reshuffle-speculation/

 

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Pattaya City Invests 30 Million Baht in Mobile Toilet Trucks for Tourism Boost

 

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Pattaya City has spent 30 million baht on six new mobile toilet trucks to facilitate tourists, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities during events. Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai announced the acquisition of the new vehicles on April 25, 2024.

 

Full. story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325946-pattaya-city-invests-30-million-baht-in-mobile-toilet-trucks-for-tourism-boost/

 

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High-Speed Police Chase Leads to Fatal Accident, Fuels Debate

 

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A high-speed pursuit by the police in Nakhon Ratchasima resulted in a tragic accident on the night of April 23. The officers from Chaloem Phra Kiat Police Station were chasing a theft suspect when his motorcycle collided with a tree.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325948-high-speed-police-chase-leads-to-fatal-accident-fuels-debate/

 

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Dangerous Hand Grenade Uncovered in Chonburi District

 

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A live M26 hand grenade was discovered on the quiet streets of Wat Boon Samphan, Bang Lamung, Chonburi, sending shockwaves through the local community.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325949-dangerous-hand-grenade-uncovered-in-chonburi-district/

 

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Thailand Eradicates 22 Tonnes of Confiscated Illicit Drugs

 

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On April 24, 2024, Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) spearheaded an operation to destroy a gigantic 22-tonne haul of illegal drugs, seized from 68 different cases, said Pol. Lt. Gen. Panurat Lakboon, ONCB's Secretary-General. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325950-thailand-eradicates-22-tonnes-of-confiscated-illicit-drugs/

 

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Two Syrians Arrested for Fake UAE Passports in Phuket

 

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Two Syrian men were detained on last Wednesday in Phuket after being identified with counterfeit UAE passports. These arrests are considered similar to the previous apprehension of another Syrian man practiced on the preceding Sunday.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325951-two-syrians-arrested-for-fake-uae-passports-in-phuket/

 

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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Friday 26 April 2024

 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325952-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-friday-26-april-2024/

 

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Karaoke Owner Arrested for Alleged Child Trafficking in Thailand

 

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The owner of a karaoke bar in Thailand's Bueng Kan Province has been arrested on charges of child trafficking, following a successful police sting operation.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325953-karaoke-owner-arrested-for-alleged-child-trafficking-in-thailand/

 

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UN Report Warns Of Asia's Increasing Climate Crisis

 

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A recent report from the United Nations reveals that Asia, identified as the world's disaster centre, is significantly affected by climate-related disruptions like floods, storms, extreme temperatures, and melting glaciers.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325955-un-report-warns-of-asias-increasing-climate-crisis/

 

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Executive Arrested for Drunk Driving and Attacking Police in Bangkok

 

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A senior company executive in Bangkok has been arrested for drunk driving and assaulting a police officer. The incident took place early Tuesday at a sobriety checkpoint in the Suan Luang district.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325957-executive-arrested-for-drunk-driving-and-attacking-police-in-bangkok/

 

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Rise in Malaria Cases Spurs Action in Thailand

 

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Thailand's Tak province is seeing a surge in malaria cases according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Since January, 2,913 infections have been identified, largely among foreign residents accounting for 60% of the cases. Other regions affected include Mae Hong Son, Kanchana Buri, Ranong and Prachuap Khiri Khan. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325958-rise-in-malaria-cases-spurs-action-in-thailand/

 

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British Woman Allegedly Assaulted by Bangkok Condo Guard

 

 

A British woman and her Thai spouse are seeking justice following an allegation of assault in their Bangkok condominium. The woman claims her confrontation with a security guard resulted in significant mental health issues. However, CCTV footage suggests she initiated the physical exchange. 

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325961-british-woman-allegedly-assaulted-by-bangkok-condo-guard/

 

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Thai Man on the Run After Terrorizing Chumphon Residents

 

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A 56-year-old Thai man known as Somchai is on the run after his series of violent incidents left residents of Chumphon in fear. Police attempted to arrest him at his home but found he had fled, leaving behind 194 rounds of .22 calibre ammunition.

 

Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325967-thai-man-on-the-run-after-terrorizing-chumphon-residents/

 

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Police Arrest Ride-Sharing Driver for Shooting at Jomtien Beach

 

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Yesterday, a ride-sharing driver in Pattaya was arrested by the police after he fired a gun into the sea, causing panic among tourists at Jomtien Beach.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325982-police-arrest-ride-sharing-driver-for-shooting-at-jomtien-beach/

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Israeli detained in Phuket for illegally keeping 3 macaques

 

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Following a tip-off, police have arrested an Israeli businessman, Zuri Yozee, in Phuket for unlawfully keeping three pig-tailed macaques. The arrest took place yesterday after the local Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division, or "Greencop," got information about a foreign business owner in Phuket's Patong neighborhood keeping these protected monkeys at his home in the Katu district.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325983-israeli-detained-in-phuket-for-illegally-keeping-3-macaques/

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Arrest Made in Pathum Thani Amphetamine Bust, Cambodian National in Custody

 

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A Cambodian woman suspected of being part of a notorious drug syndicate called First Klong Luang was arrested in Nong Suea, Pathum Thani, Thailand. The police seized an unexpected 2.8 million pills of amphetamine from the woman's residence.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325985-arrest-made-in-pathum-thani-amphetamine-bust-cambodian-national-in-custody/

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Could the digital wallet pose a challenge to both Pheu Thai and conservatives?

 

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The Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, appears troubled as continued discussions about the government's flagship policy, digital wallet, are carried on. These discussions are especially significant as previously, many conservatives have shied away from this hot topic.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325986-could-the-digital-wallet-pose-a-challenge-to-both-pheu-thai-and-conservatives/

 

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Biomass power stations in Pattani targeted in arsonist attack

 

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Two biomass power plants in Pattani, the southernmost province of Thailand, were targeted in an arson attack early this morning. The incidents happened in the districts of Mae Larn and Sabayoi at the same time.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325988-biomass-power-stations-in-pattani-targeted-in-arsonist-attack/

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Insurgents in Yala kill a defense volunteer and injure five others

 

 

A defense volunteer in the Bannang Sata district of Thailand's Yala province was killed today, and five others were injured in an incident involving gunfire and an explosion. The volunteer killed was Mada-oh Waeyeegao who was returning home from a prayer meeting when he was shot by someone on the back of a bike. The tragedy occurred in Bacho sub-district, and Waeyeegao died on the spot.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325989-insurgents-in-yala-kill-a-defense-volunteer-and-injure-five-others/

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Hospital in Bangkok Fined 100,000 Baht for Rejecting Injured Patient

 

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The Vibharam Hospital, a private healthcare facility in Bangkok, was fined 100,000 baht for not treating a critically injured patient who later succumbed to his injuries. The hospital previously rejected another fatally injured individual.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325990-hospital-in-bangkok-fined-100000-baht-for-rejecting-injured-patient/

 

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Agoda reports an increase in Japanese tourists interested in Thai vacations

 

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The travel website Agoda has noted a surge in interest for Thailand among Japanese vacationers. With Japan's Golden Week holiday nearing, Thailand has become the second favorite destination for these tourists, with South Korea being the first.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325991-agoda-reports-an-increase-in-japanese-tourists-interested-in-thai-vacations/

 

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Japanese gang members escape to Laos after a killing in Nonthaburi

 

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Authorities in Thailand have named two Japanese individuals in connection with a horrific murder case of a compatriot. The accused, who are also recognized as members of a top yakuza gang in Japan, have fled to Laos. Thai officials are now working with counterparts in Laos to arrange their extradition.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325789-thai-man-arrested-in-connection-with-japanese-mans-murder-in-nonthaburi/?do=findComment&comment=18872343

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Frozen pension policy turns British expat's dream into a nightmare

 

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Foreigners resident in Thailand are beginning to feel a financial strain due to the UK government's pension freeze policy. Three British individuals have experienced this challenge, providing insights about a difficult reality that contrasts sharply with the country's sunny appeal.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325999-frozen-pension-policy-turns-british-expats-dream-into-a-nightmare/

 

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Angry reactions as foreign couple's car crash leaves injured rider abandoned in Phuket

 

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A video circulating on social media showing a foreign couple neglecting a motorcyclist they hit with their luxurious car in Phuket, Thailand, has led to public outrage. The incident occurred on April 25, when the couple, driving a white Mercedes Benz, made a right turn without signaling, causing a collision with an oncoming motorcyclist.

 

Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1326002-angry-reactions-as-foreign-couples-car-crash-leaves-injured-rider-abandoned-in-phuket/