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Rescue Operation for Huge Python Trapped in Drainage Pipe Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A near 4-meter long python was recently found stuck in a drain pipe at a house in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The reptile appeared to have eaten something sizeable, possibly a cat, prior to getting lodged in the pipe. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325888-rescue-operation-for-huge-python-trapped-in-drainage-pipe/

A near 4-meter long python was recently found stuck in a drain pipe at a house in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. The reptile appeared to have eaten something sizeable, possibly a cat, prior to getting lodged in the pipe. The Ayutthaya Radio Centre was alerted by the concerned homeowners, leading to a rapid response by snake-savvy rescue teams. On their arrival, the rescue team, tasked with freeing the trapped python, were faced with the considerable challenge of breaking through concrete to widen the pipe and extricate the snake - a task that took over an hour with assistance from community members. Sunantha, the homeowner, had initially believed a usual clog was responsible for the blocked pipe. However, discovering the snake was quite a shock, prompting her to call authorities for fear of the creature's wellbeing. The unusual incident led to speculations amongst locals who wondered if the python could bring good luck, considering using their house number for lottery bets - a common belief in instances like this according to Thailand traditions. Post-rescue, the python was noted to have a visibly distended stomach, validating the assumption that it had recently consumed something large. Following standard procedures, the rescue team placed the snake in a bag to return it to the wild, assuring safety for both the python and the community. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Thai Police Hunt for Japanese Murder Suspects Photo via Channel 3 and Facebook/ คุยข่าว เมืองนนท์ Two Japanese men are being sought by Thai authorities for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Kabashima Ryosuke, another Japanese national. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325846-thai-police-hunt-japanese-suspects-in-grisly-murder-case/?do=findComment&comment=18868712

Thai Police Hunt for Japanese Murder Suspects Photo via Channel 3 and Facebook/ คุยข่าว เมืองนนท์ Two Japanese men are being sought by Thai authorities for the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Kabashima Ryosuke, another Japanese national. The police have already arrested a Thai national, referred to as Game, who has reportedly admitted to assisting in disposing of the body parts but denied involvement in the murder. Game identified the two men as Kato Takuya, 50, and Suzuki Hiroto, 28, claiming that they had killed Ryosuke after a heated argument. All three men had been employed at a scam call centre operated by Takuya and Hiroto. The victim's remains were recovered in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, where they had allegedly been discarded by the killers. Game also stated that Takuya and Hiroto, neither of whom have legal status in the country, forced him to assist in the murder's aftermath under threat, although he wouldn't reveal the details. Despite claiming to operate a car part importing business and leasing a warehouse for storage, police investigations showed Takuya and Hiroto were running a call centre scam gang. Thai police are now cooperating with the Japanese authorities in the ongoing manhunt for the suspects. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

House Speaker Advocates for Referendum Before Charter Change Vote Image courtesy of Thai PBS World House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha believes a referendum is required for public approval before the proposed charter amendment can be acknowledged. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325884-house-speaker-advocates-for-referendum-before-charter-change-vote/

Image courtesy of Thai PBS World House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha believes a referendum is required for public approval before the proposed charter amendment can be acknowledged. He responded to inquiries about potentially addressing significant legislation during a special House session for the 2025 fiscal year’s budget bill reading. However, he emphasized the Thailand charter amendment proposals could not be debated in the House without a preceding legal referendum to acquire voters’ consent for a new charter draft. While the House plans to accept charter amendment proposals, Matha stated there was no guarantee to have them on the agenda until the Parliament’s legal office reviews them. The cabinet earlier agreed to conduct three separate referenda on a new charter, with the first one set to take place in late July or early August. The first referendum primarily asks voters if they agree on developing a new charter, excluding Chapters 1 and 2. If the majority agrees, further referenda will follow, eventually asking voters if they agree with the proposed new charter. The Move Forward Party (MFP) urged the government to reconsider the first referendum question due to potential confusion about Chapters 1 and 2. MFP leader Chaithawat Tulathon clarified this was not about changing these chapters. The party advocates for a complete overhaul if it serves the people’s interests. Chusak Sirinil, a Pheu Thai list-MP and government whip, said the government would decide when to commence proposed amendments to the Referendum Act 2021. With Thailand's ruling party's version already submitted to the House, the government’s law amendment decision may lead to their own version. The cabinet intends to amend the Referendum Act 2021 to remove the practice of a double majority rule in a referendum. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Huge Fire Engulfs Motorcycle Parts Shops in Loei Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A massive fire broke out, destroying three connected motorcycle parts shops in Loei, Thailand, causing several explosions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325880-huge-fire-engulfs-motorcycle-parts-shops-in-loei/

A massive fire broke out, destroying three connected motorcycle parts shops in Loei, Thailand, causing several explosions. The blaze, which started at 8:30 pm yesterday, was the worst the province has seen in 11 years. Firefighters worked tirelessly for approximately two hours to subdue the flames. The fire took place in Saeng Thong Parts, prompting a quick response from the municipal fire brigade. The presence of highly combustible items, including motorcycle tyres, spray paint cans, engine oils, and other lubricants, exacerbated the situation. Over 2,000 paint cans and 1,000 bottles of oil exploded about every three seconds for an hour, feeding the flames even more. The large-scale operation saw participation from over 100 personnel across multiple agencies, such as municipal teams from Loei and Na Aan, the highway department, police, military, and volunteer rescue squads. Working together, they fought one of the most significant fires in the province since a five-story warehouse fire in 2013. The extensive damage at Saeng Thong Parts has led officials to launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of storing flammable materials and the bravery of firefighters and rescue services. As the community recovers from the sizable blaze, the focus now shifts to the investigation results and necessary measures to prevent future such incidents. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Drug-Induced Violent Spree Ends in Arrest in Samut Prakan Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A man, high on drugs, went on a rampage injuring multiple people in Samut Prakan province yesterday. The man, only identified as Samhing, first assaulted his family members before stealing a pickup truck, damaging several vehicles and ending up under a motorway where he was restrained by the police. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325878-drug-induced-violent-spree-ends-in-arrest-in-samut-prakan/

A man, high on drugs, went on a rampage injuring multiple people in Samut Prakan province yesterday. The man, only identified as Samhing, first assaulted his family members before stealing a pickup truck, damaging several vehicles and ending up under a motorway where he was restrained by the police. The manhunt concluded with the suspect sustaining a gunshot wound and leaving two others - a police officer and a taxi driver - injured. On arrival at the scene, police found an abandoned Isuzu pickup with a shattered window and blood on the driver’s seat. Samhing was found restrained by numerous officers, appearing to be under the influence of drugs. The injured officer, Thitipat Ruampalangek from Prapadaeng Police Station, had a stab wound in his chest, scrapes on both palms, and a gash in his knee. The taxi driver, Veera, had a knife slash on his arm. Officers revealed that upon their first encounter, Samhing had attacked them with a knife, leading them to shoot him. Samhing was subsequently taken to Bangjak Hospital and his urine test confirmed methamphetamine use. Charges against him include attempted murder of law enforcement officials, armed robbery causing bodily harm, and drug use while operating a vehicle. A co-worker of Samhing, who owned one of the damaged vehicles, claimed Samhing had shown signs of illness, including vomiting blood, before his violent outburst. Meanwhile, a taxi passenger escaped unscathed during a struggle that left driver, Veera, with injuries. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Heatwave Alert: Thailand Expects 43C Weather and Severe Summer Storms Picture courtesy of Freepik A heatwave alert has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) as temperatures might rise up to 43 degrees Celsius. The warning covers 45 provinces and is accompanied by a risk of summer storms, strong winds, and hail in some areas. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325874-heatwave-alert-thailand-expects-43c-weather-and-severe-summer-storms/

Picture courtesy of Freepik A heatwave alert has been issued by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) as temperatures might rise up to 43 degrees Celsius. The warning covers 45 provinces and is accompanied by a risk of summer storms, strong winds, and hail in some areas. The country's upper region is experiencing a heatwave due to intense heat creating a low-pressure system. While people are advised to refrain from prolonged outdoor activities, farmers are being alerted to prepare for possible damage to their crops and livestock. The temperature rise is coupled with a chance of summer storms, characterized by lightning, thunderstorms, and potentially hail. Swirling southwestern and southeastern winds are impacting the northern and northeastern regions, carrying the risk of thunderstorms. Similarly, the coastal areas along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand may also experience thunderstorms, with sea waves potentially rising more than a meter high. Fishermen are advised to avoid sailing during these conditions. Over the next 24 hours, hot weather is expected to persist along with a 20% chance of thunderstorms in the northern region. Temperatures may range from a minimum of 23 degrees Celsius to a blistering maximum of 43 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the northeastern, central, and eastern regions are also slated to experiences elevated temperatures with the chances of thunderstorms. The southern region, including the east coast and the west coast, will also see hot weather with a slight chance of thunderstorms. The temperatures may reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. In the capital, Bangkok, the weather conditions are being predicted as predominantly hot, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

30 Deaths from Heatwaves in Thailand Image courtesy of Khaosod Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has alerted the public to the perils of the ongoing heatwaves, following the death of 30 individuals from heatstroke this year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325872-30-deaths-from-heatwaves-in-thailand/

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has alerted the public to the perils of the ongoing heatwaves, following the death of 30 individuals from heatstroke this year. Health professionals are advising people to avoid direct sun exposure for long periods, particularly considering the increased COVID-19 risk for susceptible people. Increased temperatures in the country have led to health problems linked to intense heat. Heatstroke, an often lethal condition arising from the body overheating, is a predominant risk, particularly for those who spend substantial time outdoors in the sun. Doctors advise drinking plenty of water and using electrolyte solutions for profuse sweaters. Alcohol consumption, which can heighten dehydration, is discouraged. Citizens are also urged to dress in light-coloured clothing that promotes proper ventilation, and avoid leaving people in parked cars where the heat can increase rapidly. Thailand's post-Songkran period has seen a rise in COVID-19 infections particularly in the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues. Therefore, those at high risk are encouraged to follow precautions like wearing masks in crowded areas and practising good hand hygiene. Influenza is also widespread with 128,156 cases reported since the start of the year, affecting all age groups. Vaccination is advocated for the general population, including high-risk individuals, to avert severe flu and COVID-19 complications. Moreover, dengue fever has been reported in 24,108 cases, primarily in children aged 5-14 years, resulting in 22 deaths. The authorities have urged the public to help eliminate mosquito breeding areas to tackle not only dengue but also chikungunya and Zika virus infections. Self-medication is discouraged for symptoms like high fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, rashes, and bleeding spots on the skin with only paracetamol recommended for fever. As heatwaves continue, the Ministry of Public Health is emphasizing preventive measures and vigilance for COVID-19 and influenza while encouraging mosquito control to curb vector-borne diseases. Top Image courtesy of Khaosod -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Prachinburi's Stubborn Landfill Fire Stresses Local Community Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Firefighters are battling a severe landfill fire in Prachinburi, Thailand, that has been smoldering nonstop, covering an expansive 17 rai area and releasing unwelcome smoke and bad smell, affecting three nearby subdistricts. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325866-prachinburis-stubborn-landfill-fire-stresses-local-community/