Bangkok:- Tourist police have arrested five Chinese men for having allegedly used fake cards to buy luxurious goods and draw cash in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816556-five-chinese-arrested-for-allegedly-using-fake-credit-cards/

RT @191Thailand: Police confirm that the Mazda used in the Samui “car bomb” was stolen from Yala - RT @TichilaThaipbs: http://twitter.com/TichilaThaipbs/status/586720396902182913/photo/1 #Thailand

RT @RichardBarrow: 100′s of people, heading upcountry for #Songkran, waiting for passenger vans at Victory Monument - TR @thaipbsnews: http://twitter.com/thaipbsnews/status/586713634090303488/photo/1

RT @191Thailand: Passenger van crashed into a truck injuring 7 people this morning - TR @Nalinee_PLE: http://twitter.com/Nalinee_PLE/status/586739553593004032/photo/1

Chiang Mai:- Nok Air has come under fire especially from wheelchair users after its staffs failed to provide a wheelchair to help a disabled man get down from its plane at the Chiang Mai International Airport.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816572-nok-air-comes-under-fire-over-treatment-of-handicapped-man/

RT @ThaipbsEngNews: 11.10 am. Slow traffic on Highway 32 in Nakhonsawan heading northern provinces #songkran2015 http://twitter.com/ThaipbsEngNews/status/586745948098793472/photo/1

RT @191Thailand: Expect extra security checks at shopping malls today. This is Central Festival Phuket - RT @bikkiebites: http://twitter.com/bikkiebites/status/586735227206144000/photo/1 #Thailand

Mixed reports on the explosion at Samui’s Central Festival Plaza in Chaweng

KOH SAMUI: -- As day broke the morning after an explosion rocked the parking lot at Samui’s Central Festival Plaza in Chaweng thoughts and reports as to what caused the incident are mixed and with no official statement so far on the exact cause of the explosion, speculation around the island and indeed the world is rife.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816511-car-bomb-in-samui/page-4?p=9293915#entry9293915

Insurance companies to offer discount to victims of fake brokers

BANGKOK, 11 April 2015 (NNT) -The Thai General Insurance Association will offer a 50-percent discount to car owners who have been tricked into buying fake insurance.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816611-insurance-companies-to-offer-discount-to-victims-of-fake-brokers/

Songkhla governor urges high protection for economic cities during Songkran

SONGKHLA, 11 April 2015 (NNT) – The Governor of Songkhla has urged all sectors to provide security protection for the three economic cities during the Songkran holidays, while the police are pushing forward public participation on security issues.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816614-songkhla-governor-urges-high-protection-for-economic-cities-during-songkran/

Police start investigation of CO OP fire in Surat Thani

SURAT THANI, 11 April 2015 (NNT) – Police officers have started their investigation of the fire at the Cooperative market in Surat Thani province, that occurred late last night.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816615-police-start-investigation-of-co-op-fire-in-surat-thani/

UPDATE:

Songkran road toll rises to 59

BANGKOK: -- The second day of the seven dangerous Songkran holidays or Friday saw 399 road accidents happen, killing 34 people and injuring 417 others.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816368-seven-dangerous-days-25-dead-in-day-one-of-songkran-road-chaos/page-4?p=9294236#entry9294236

This Advice was last issued on Saturday, 11 April 2015.

On 10 April 2015, a car bomb exploded in the car park of the Central Festival Mall on Koh Samui, injuring a number of people.

Australians should keep clear of the affected area, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the media and other sources for information (see Safety and security). The level of advice has not changed.

We continue to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall. We continue to strongly advise Australians against travel to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla due to high levels of ongoing violence in these areas.

2015-04-11

Bangkok:- The Disease Control Department has now warned people to be cautious about eating Somtam, the country’s famous Spicy Papaya Salad.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816618-somtam-lovers-warned/

Car bomb attack is a paid job by same group of perpetrators in recent Bangkok bombings

KOH SAMUI: -- Security authorities say the car bomb attack at Central Festival shopping mall in Koh Samui Friday night was believed to be the work of the same group of perpetrators responsible for recent bombings in Bangkok.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816619-car-bomb-attack-is-a-paid-job-by-same-group-of-perpetrators-in-recent-bangkok-bombings/

UPATE:

ISOC spokesman says certain insurgents might be hired to carry out Surat attacks

KOH SAMUI: -- Col Banphot Poolpian, spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command, said certain insurgents from the deep South might be hired to carry out attacks in Surat Thani.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816619-car-bomb-attack-is-a-paid-job-by-same-group-of-perpetrators-in-recent-bangkok-bombings/#entry9294423

UPDATE:

Gen Prayut concerned for public safety after two blasts in Surat Thani last night

BANGKOK, 11 April 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha expressed his concern over safety of people returning to their hometown on the first day of Songkran holidays, deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd revealed today.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816619-car-bomb-attack-is-a-paid-job-by-same-group-of-perpetrators-in-recent-bangkok-bombings/#entry9294492

Asian Air’s charter flight with 233 passengers stranded at Don Mueang airport

BANGKOK: -- A charter flight of Asian Air with 233 passengers was stranded at Don Muaeng airport Friday night after it was not granted permission to fly into Japan.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816626-asian-airs-charter-flight-with-233-passengers-stranded-at-don-mueang-airport/

Military on standby nationwide to ensure public safety during Songkran

BANGKOK, 11 April 2015 (NNT) - Gen Udomdej Sitabutr, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, has ordered the Peace Keeping Force and military units nationwide to exert their utmost efforts to keep people safe during the Songkran celebration, Deputy Army spokesperson Sirichan Ngathong said today.

The Army has set up 243 public service points which will work around the clock until April 16, in order to keep road accidents at minimum and provide traffic convenience for all travelers. This is to ensure the best atmosphere of Songkran and preserve the valuable Thai tradition.

Security measures in the southernmost provinces of Thailand have also been strengthened during the same period. The Army’s border forces are reiterated to strictly conduct inspections at all checkpoints and border entrances where more people are traveling through, hoping to prevent smuggling of contraband goods and narcotic drugs. The Army has assured that the inspections will not be conducted in a way that will affect tourism or hinder the travelling of people during the festival.

-- NNT 2015-04-11

Phuket steps up security to prevent similar explosions as in nearby Surat Thani

PHUKET, 11 April 2015 (NNT) - Phuket province has stepped up security measures after a car bomb in Samui Island and a fire at a cooperative in nearby Surat Thani Province last night.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816633-phuket-steps-up-security-to-prevent-similar-explosions-as-in-nearby-surat-thani/

Songkran Festivities begin in Pattaya

PATTAYA: -- The official Songkran Festival for Pattaya takes place on 19th April, however around Thailand Songkran begins on 12th April and in Pattaya the water fighting has already begun.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816635-songkran-festivities-begin-in-pattaya/

Samui Airport tightens security measures
The Nation

KOH SAMUI: -- Samui Airport under the management of Bangkok Airways has tightened security to ensure utmost safety and convenience for passengers, following the car bomb last night.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816681-samui-airport-tightens-security-measures/

Bangkok:- Soaked passengers and those who appear drunk or carry loaded water guns are prohibited from using the subway service, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRT) announced Saturday.

Full story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816634-soaked-passengers-water-guns-banned-from-subway/

Day 2 of 7 days of danger on Phuket: 11 hurt, no deaths

Nattha Thepbamrung

11 motorcyclists were taken to hospital. Phuket News file photo

PHUKET: The island’s motorists managed to get through a second day yesterday (April 10) without a death on the roads, this morning’s meeting on the Seven Days of Danger heard.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816684-day-2-of-7-days-of-danger-on-phuket-11-hurt-no-deaths/

Gen Prayut asks Thais to preserve beauty of Songkran tradition

BANGKOK, 11 April 2015 (NNT) - The Thai Premier has called on all Thais, especially teenagers, to celebrate the Thai New Year in the most appropriate way, hoping to preserve the beauty of Songkran Festival.

To preserve the Thai culture, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said the Ministry of Tourism and Sports as well as the Ministry of Culture have been campaigning for people to conduct themselves properly and in accord with the Songkran tradition during water play.

The Premier asked that everyone don polite clothes and avoid revealing garments. By doing so, he believed foreigners would be impressed by the politeness of the Thai culture.

He also sought cooperation from holiday revelers to avoid alcohol consumption at entertainment venues. The premier also said that contaminants such as power and ice not should be used in water play.

In a bid to reinforce Thailand’s cultural heritage, water bowls should be used instead of water blasters, he said, adding that the cultural image should also be augmented through activities and performances appropriate for Songkran.

-- NNT 2015-04-11

Nine Phuket meth dealers busted, 2,328 pills seized
Eakkapop Thongtub

Gen Pachara (with microphone) introduces the nine dealers

PHUKET: More than 2,000 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) were seized from nine dealers yesterday (April 10) as part of an ongoing police drive against drugs during Songkran.

Full Story: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816692-nine-phuket-meth-dealers-busted-2328-pills-seized/

to continue:

Thailand Live Sunday 12 Apr 2015

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/816747-thailand-live-sunday-12-apr-2015/