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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/

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. Prachinburi's Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has struggled to gain total control over the incident at Nong Hoi landfill. Despite firefighters working tirelessly throughout the night, the fire still flares up, proving a troublesome task. Under the coordination of district chief Juthamas Buaphuean, the responding teams have employed all necessary tools and vehicles, including two backhoes, to keep the situation in check. Firefighters have contained the flames to a limited area, using water to extinguish the fire and backhoes to spread the garbage, successfully avoiding further spread, as reported by KhaoSod. Although the teams have managed to control the fire's perimeter, it continually reignites, creating plumes of smoke and a strong stench, severely affecting residents' quality of life in nearby Nong Khon, Nong Mad Daeng, and Sam Kha village in Nong Phrong subdistricts. The wind has been transporting the smoke to these areas, worsening conditions for the local communities. Meanwhile, authorities in Rayong, an eastern province in the country, are struggling with a fire at an industrial waste and chemical warehouse owned by the Win Process Company which started at 8.30 am on April 22. The flammable substances within have complicated attempts to extinguish the fire, which is still uncontrolled even after 20 hours of firefighting efforts. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 25 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325865-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-25-april-2024/

The Bank of Thailand has suggested scaling down the "digital wallet" program to provide the 10,000 baht benefit to 15 million financially vulnerable individuals instead of the initially planned 50 million. This would allow for immediate implementation at a cost of 150 billion baht and could be phased in, to lessen the financial impact on stability. However, the government has dismissed the central bank's advice, stating the recommendations are not new and that the scheme has already received cabinet approval. The National Anti-Corruption Commission suspects four PTT executives colluded to manipulate an equipment purchasing contract with Rolls-Royce in the U.K worth almost one billion baht.. The contract, secured between 2004 and 2008, involved the supply of two gas turbine compressors for almost $25 million dollars. One executive allegedly received a 10 million baht bribe from Rolls Royce through a Thai company. The Commission has referred its findings to the Attorney-General. Thailand's Transport Minister will travel to China next month to discuss the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project and the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject. This marks the first in-person meeting in five years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The minister plans to meet with Chinese investors to further promote the Land Bridge megaproject, which will link Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong on the Andaman Sea coast. The National Anti-Corruption Commission yesterday voted to drop all charges against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawat. Yingluck had been sentenced to five years jail for her involvement in the mismanagement of a rice-pledging scheme causing damages of almost 240 million baht. Yingluck Shinawat has been living in self-exile for nearly 10 years. A leading doctor says 30 people died of heatstroke during March and April, adding that heatstroke appears to be taking far more lives this year than last. He advises people to stay indoors and drink at least 2 glasses of water per hour. And to seek medical attention if they become dizzy or find difficulty breathing. The government has announced the construction on the Rama 2 Road highway that links Bangkok to the south west and Phetchaburi, Cha-am and Hua Hin, is due to be completed next year. The project has seen regular delays and several accidents in recent months . Around the region The South Korean economy grew at the fastest pace in more than two years in the first quarter on robust exports, beating all estimates and fuelling market expectations that the Bank of Korea would delay cutting interest rates. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny, partly cloudy 40 C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 38C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy, 35C Phuket and the south: cloudy with showers 33C Hua Hin: Sunny, light clouds this afternoon 35 C AQI Orange High Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-25 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Firms Collaborate to Develop Waste-to-Energy Power Plants Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post A consortium of Thai power and waste management companies intend to build 12 waste-to-energy power facilities and three refuse-derived fuel production plants. The move is part of the country’s effort to support bio, circular, and green economic strategies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325864-thai-firms-collaborate-to-develop-waste-to-energy-power-plants/

A consortium of Thai power and waste management companies intend to build 12 waste-to-energy power facilities and three refuse-derived fuel production plants. The move is part of the country’s effort to support bio, circular, and green economic strategies. Acting Managing Director of waste services company Earth Tech Environment, Supawat Khunvoravinij, stated that the goal is to create facilities capable of power generation while improving industrial waste management. He emphasised the pivotal role of these facilities in enhancing energy security and supporting governmental industrial waste management policies. Earth Tech Environment is collaborating with power producer Gulf Energy Development, waste recycling and power generation operator Waste Tech Exponential, and waste storage and transportation provider Better World Green, to develop these projects. A power purchase agreement has already been signed with the Provincial Electricity Authority, the nation’s state-run power distributor. The power facilities are expected to be operational within two years. Gulf and Earth Tech Environment will jointly fund and develop 10 waste-to-energy power plants, each with an 8-megawatt power capacity. The equally invested joint venture is projected to cost around 15 billion baht. Two more waste-fired power projects will be financed by Gulf (34%), Waste Tech Exponential (33%), and Earth Tech Environment (33%). Gulf and Better World Green will also develop three waste processing plants to furnish refuse-derived fuel for the power facilities. The construction costs of these facilities have not been disclosed. Supawat Khunvoravinij underscored the potential of using waste as fuel in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, a considerable contributor to climate change. Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fire Sparks Arson Concerns at Rayong Chemical Warehouse Photo via Facebook/ มูลนิธิบูรณะนิเวศ (EARTH) A fire that broke out at chemical warehouses owned by Win Process company in Rayong, has raised arson suspicions. The company is located in the Ban Khai district of Rayong, an eastern province. Despite the extensive damage, the company owner has not given out any statement. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325863-fire-sparks-arson-concerns-at-rayong-chemical-warehouse/

A fire that broke out at chemical warehouses owned by Win Process company in Rayong, has raised arson suspicions. The company is located in the Ban Khai district of Rayong, an eastern province. Despite the extensive damage, the company owner has not given out any statement. At present, the fire has been contained to 95%, but extinguishing efforts are not fully completed due to hazardous chemicals in the warehouse. Deputy Governor of Rayong, Kanchai Thepworrachai, reported that the smoke from the fire remains a problem. Chutiphong Pipoppinyo, a member of parliament from the Move Forward Party, questioned the cause of the fire. He pointed out the directive given to Win Process to relocate chemical substances for safe disposal and the time frame of the fire, which started during the company's operational hours. Added to the fact that the power had been cut off, ruling out an electrical fault as the cause. Furthermore, Chutiphong highlighted that the owner of Win Process is also the owner of a chemical warehouse in Ayutthaya, which experienced a similar fire incident in February. An unexploded bomb was discovered in the aftermath. Although Deputy Governor Kanchai agreed that the cause of the fire remains uncertain, he dismissed the likelihood of an electrical shortage. He suggested that elevated temperatures combined with the presence of chemicals might have triggered the fire, though a thorough investigation is required. Ban Khai district chief, Thotsaphon Borwonmote, reported that no one claimed ownership of Win Process post-fire. The district chief observed such incidents are not uncommon within similar industries. Photo via Facebook/ มูลนิธิบูรณะนิเวศ (EARTH) -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Anticipated Low Season Challenges Thai Tourism Operators Pattaya Beach, Chon Buri. Image courtesy of Thailand Tourism Thai tourism operators are bracing for the annual low season following the country's Songkran Holidays, a time usually marked by a high influx of tourists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325759-thailand-enters-low-tourism-season-hopes-rest-on-chinese-visitors/?do=findComment&comment=18868115

Anticipated Low Season Challenges Thai Tourism Operators Pattaya Beach, Chon Buri. Image courtesy of Thailand Tourism Thai tourism operators are bracing for the annual low season following the country's Songkran Holidays, a time usually marked by a high influx of tourists. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, the head of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA), highlighted the importance of businesses finding alternative opportunities to stay afloat during this period. This cycle of peak and low seasons is a common trend in Thailand's tourism sector. As the quiet period approaches, tourism from western, eastern, and European regions generally dips, noted Cheewarattanaporn. However, Chinese tourists continue to visit Thailand thanks to a current visa exemption agreement. Despite relatively low numbers of Chinese tourists during the World Songkran Festival 2024 in Thailand, largely due to high flight costs, Cheewarattanaporn remains positive about Chinese tourism trends. He predicted that if the current rate of 20,000 to 22,000 Chinese tourists per day continues into the fourth quarter, ATTA could meet its target of 8 million Chinese visitors by year-end. Amidst these predictions, Cheewarattanaporn also cautioned about the potential impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict on Thailand's tourism. He stated that if the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, it could negatively impact the global economy, and consequently, Thailand's tourism sector. Overall, as the low season poses challenges, Thai tourism operators must explore innovative methods to maintain their businesses. The reliance on tourists from Taiwan, India, and China emphasizes the crucial role of diversified visitor demographics in supporting Thailand's tourism sector. The global geopolitical landscape also continues to sway tourism trends, further emphasizing the need for operators to stay updated with world developments. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-25 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Russian Businessman Arrested for Alleged Assault, Illegal Weapons Picture courtesy of Phuket Express This past Tuesday, a 38-year-old Russian businessman was taken into custody on Koh Samui. Identified only as Mr. Nikhita, he was arrested by the Bophut Police. He is facing severe charges of assault and illegal weapons possession. The raid on his property was prompted by a tip-off from a local. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325862-russian-businessman-arrested-for-alleged-assault-illegal-weapons/