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NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Tuesday 16 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325031-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-tuesday-16-april-2024/

The Director - general of the Department of Highways has ordered an urgent investigation into the collapse of scaffolding beam onto Rama II Road, The scaffolding fell on the Bangkok-bound road on Sunday afternoon, remarkably there were no casualties or injuries. Construction had been stopped during the holidays to allow traffic to flow and is due to resume on Thursday. The elevated highway will be 81 kilometers between bangkok and Ratchaburi. Around 15 forest Fires continue to rage in Chiang Mai with some burning for more than 3 days, authorities say 153 hot spots have been detected across the north, as unsafe levels of air pollution continue. Six army aircraft have been deployed to fight the fires, Many of Bangkok’s pavements are due to receive a facelift, a pilot project will re surface 86 kilometers of pavements or sidewalks along 16 roads.. The first section will be on Rama 4 road at Hualumpong. Traffic accidents from during the songkran holiday between April 11 to 14 claimed 162 lives and injured 1,279 others, many holidaymakers started to return to their workplaces yesterday. Around the region Myanmar: A resistance group fighting the junta’s military said its fighters had repelled an attempt by junta troops to advance and retake the key town of Mya-waddy close to the Thai border that was seized by the rebels last week. According to the Karen National Union. WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: sunny then.. cloudy with some thunder showers 38C Bangkok: Sunny partly cloudy 36C Pattaya: Sunny partly cloudy 34C Phuket and the south: Sunny 34C Hua Hin: Sunny, 35 C AQI yellow, moderate 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 2024-04-16 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

PM to discuss possible cabinet shakeup with coalition parties Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will hold talks with leaders of coalition parties to discuss a cabinet reshuffle, noting that it is necessary to make adjustments in line with the changing situation after about seven months in office and to make sure that the right people are in the right jobs. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325023-pm-to-discuss-possible-cabinet-shakeup-with-coalition-parties/

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will hold talks with leaders of coalition parties to discuss a cabinet reshuffle, noting that it is necessary to make adjustments in line with the changing situation after about seven months in office and to make sure that the right people are in the right jobs. The prime minister said that there is no fixed timeframe as towhen the cabinet reshuffle will take place, adding that all coalition parties will be consulted and treated with respect. He also said that, at this stage, it remains unknown whether the shakeup will be limited or extensive, which depends on several factors, such as the performance of each minister overthe past 7-8 months and the opinions of the public. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Car fire at Bangkok temple parking spurs emergency response by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA: Dominik Sostmann FROM:Unsplash.com A sudden car fire erupted in the parking lot of a well-known temple in the Bang Chak area of Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. The incident was reported today, April 15, and officials are currently investigating the cause. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325022-car-fire-at-bangkok-temple-parking-spurs-emergency-response/

A sudden car fire erupted in the parking lot of a well-known temple in the Bang Chak area of Bangkok, prompting a swift response from firefighting teams. The incident was reported today, April 15, and officials are currently investigating the cause. Panic spread rapidly as a car caught fire in the parking lot of the famed Wat Thammongkol Thaobunnonthawihan in Bangkok’s Bang Chak district. The blaze was reported to the emergency services at 11.29am, causing a frenzy among the locals and visitors at the temple. A Facebook page, FM91 Trafficpro, shared images of the burning vehicle, capturing the urgency of the situation. The temple, located on Soi Punnawithi 20, Sukhumvit 101 Road in the Bang Chak area of Phra Khanong district, is a site of reverence and a bustling hub for the local community. The unexpected incident in such a serene and sacred place shook the onlookers but the professional conduct of the rescue teams helped contain the panic. Firefighters from the Phra Khanong Fire Station were dispatched immediately after the call. A mere 13 minutes later, at 11.42am, teams from the Sukhumvit Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene. They were greeted by local volunteers who had already initiated firefighting efforts, bravely tackling the flames to prevent further disaster. The collaboration between the professional firefighters and the courageous volunteers showcased the community’s solidarity in the face of danger. It was a testament to the swift and well-coordinated emergency response system in place, which is crucial in densely populated urban areas like Bangkok. As the flames were subdued, the attention turned to the cause of the fire. Initial reports did not specify the make and model of the vehicle or provide details about the owner. The exact origin of the fire also remained unclear. The investigation was underway, with authorities meticulously combing through the evidence to determine whether the fire was accidental or the result of foul play. The authorities have yet to release a full report on the incident, as the investigation continues. The name of the person who reported the fire, Urupong, is credited for the initial alert, demonstrating the critical role that vigilant citizens play in ensuring public safety, reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA: Dominik Sostmann FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Japanese man dies in Bangkok hotel fall, lands on car by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA: Andre Furtado FROM:Unsplash.com A 52 year old Japanese man died after falling from a Bangkok hotel, landing on a parked car. He was staying alone and no signs of violence were found when the room was searched. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325021-japanese-man-dies-in-bangkok-hotel-fall-lands-on-car/

by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA: Andre Furtado FROM:Unsplash.com A 52 year old Japanese man died after falling from a Bangkok hotel, landing on a parked car. He was staying alone and no signs of violence were found when the room was searched. The Thai authorities responded to the incident at 1am today, April 15, and coordinated with the Japanese Embassy to notify the man’s relatives. The tranquillity of Bangkok’s bustling Sukhumvit area was shattered when a Japanese national met a tragic end following a fall from a hotel in the early hours of yesterday. The incident occurred at a hotel on Sukhumvit Soi 2, in the Khlong Toei district, where the man was discovered to have suffered fatal injuries after plummeting onto a parked car. Upon arrival at the scene, police officer Phasakorn Kanju, along with forensic experts, medical examiners from Chulalongkorn Hospital, and volunteers from the Por Teck Tung Foundation, found the body of a 54 year old Japanese citizen, Shoji. Shoji was dressed in a black shirt and blue jeans and was without shoes. His body, which had severe trauma and disfiguring injuries, was lying face down, having crashed through the roof and windshield of a Toyota Vios, causing significant damage to the vehicle. Initial investigations revealed that the deceased had checked into the hotel alone. Before the fatal event, at around 12.45am, he had walked to the fire escape on the seventh floor, from where he fell. The examination of his hotel room showed no signs of disturbance or theft, leading authorities to surmise that the fall was an unfortunate accident. Officials are currently in contact with the Japanese embassy in Thailand to inform Shoji’s relatives of the tragic event and to facilitate the transfer of his body, as well as to manage the compensation for the damaged car. The Por Teck Tung Foundation has been tasked with transporting the body to Chulalongkorn Hospital’s forensic department for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death, adhering to legal procedures. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be shared following the completion of the autopsy and other procedural formalities. The Japanese embassy and local authorities are working closely to ensure that all necessary support is provided to the victim’s family during this difficult time,reported Khaosod. by Nattapong Westwood PHOTO VIA: Andre Furtado FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Phuket Records a Total of 30 Accidents in Four days of ‘Songkran Seven Days Road Safety Campaign’ By Goongnang Suksawat Phuket –Phuket has announced a total of 30 road accidents, 30 injuries, and zero deaths in the first four days (April 11th – April 14th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325020-phuket-records-a-total-of-30-accidents-in-4-days-of-‘songkran-7-days-road-safety-campaign’/

Phuket –Phuket has announced a total of 30 road accidents, 30 injuries, and zero deaths in the first four days (April 11th – April 14th) of the seven days (April 11th, 2024 to April 17th, 2024) of the ‘Songkran Road Safety Campaign 2024′. The Phuket Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Office told the Phuket Express on Monday (April 15th) the details from the fourth day (April 14th) of the campaign. There were a total of 6 road accidents resulting in 6 injuries. Two road accidents were in the Mueang District involving two injuries. Two accidents and two injuries took place in the Thalang district. Two accidents also took place in the Kathu district (Home of Patong). By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Belgian tourist brutally attacked in Hua Hin, friend seeks justice By Online Reporter File photo A Belgian retiree was gravely injured in an unprovoked attack in Hua Hin over a week ago, according to officials and witnesses. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325019-belgian-tourist-brutally-attacked-in-hua-hin-friend-seeks-justice/

A Belgian retiree was gravely injured in an unprovoked attack in Hua Hin over a week ago, according to officials and witnesses. The victim, identified as 63-year-old Jan from Riemst, in the province of Limburg, remains in a coma following the assault, Belgian news site VRT NWS reported. The incident has not been reported in Thai or English language news until now. The victim, identified as Jan, was attacked from behind while sitting on a sidewalk by a German national who is known to have been living in Hua Hin for some time and is associated with a local martial arts club. The incident, captured on CCTV, shows the assailant approaching Jan unsuspectedly before violently assaulting him, resulting in severe head injuries. According to medical professionals in Thailand, Jan underwent a 13-hour surgery to address multiple skull fractures and is currently in a coma with an uncertain prognosis. By Online Reporter File photo Full story: HUA HIN TODAY 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Jubilant Thaksin Shows No Signs Of ‘Illnesses’ While Attending Chiang Mai’s Songkran Festival By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra celebrating Songkran festival in Chiang Mai. Top photo: Naewna DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra has been seen jubilantly joining northern villagers in celebrating Songkran festival at venues in Chiang Mai over the weekend without a single trace of any “illnesses” as earlier claimed. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325018-thaksin-shows-no-signs-of-‘illnesses’-while-attending-chiang-mai’s-songkran-festival/

DE FACTO PHEU THAI BOSS-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra has been seen jubilantly joining northern villagers in celebrating Songkran festival at venues in Chiang Mai over the weekend without a single trace of any “illnesses” as earlier claimed. Thaksin’s “illnesses” earlier reported by the authorities have not evidently shown any symptoms throughout his three-day visit to his northern home province. Thaksin who arrived to Chiang Mai on Saturday (Apr. 13) and was scheduled to return to Bangkok today (Apr. 15) had been earlier described by officials of Police Hospital and the Corrections Department as being tantamount to “a matter of life and death” which would have warranted constant, close vigils by doctors. But the de facto Pheu Thai boss has not looked like a “critically ill” 74-year-old mingling with local villagers, revelling in the fun-filled, water-splashing festival in the northern city hit by PM2.5 airborne particles over the hot weekend. Since the deposed prime minister/de facto Pheu Thai boss was granted parole from Police Hospital last February, he had been seen alternately with or without soft splints around his neck and right arm. Thaksin has been invariably alleged of manipulating to come back from 17 years in self-exile overseas without spending a single day behind bars to otherwise serve a curtailed, one-year jail term on a few counts of misconduct during his previous premiership and instead being contentiously granted double-standard privileges with a private ward at Police Hospital to stay for a six-month period for “critical illnesses” which he had been accused of feigning. By Thai Newsroom Reporters De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra celebrating Songkran festival in Chiang Mai. Top photo: Naewna Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Yingluck’s Planned Homecoming Only Up To Thaksin: Ex-Democrat MP By Thai Newsroom Reporters Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra enjoying Songkran festival at a Thai restaurant in London. Photo: Thai Rath WHETHER AND WHEN deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra might eventually return home from self-exile abroad without being subsequently thrown into jail would only depend on her own brother/de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra and nobody else. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325016-yingluck’s-planned-homecoming-only-up-to-thaksin-ex-democrat-mp/

WHETHER AND WHEN deposed prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra might eventually return home from self-exile abroad without being subsequently thrown into jail would only depend on her own brother/de facto Pheu Thai boss-cum-convict on parole Thaksin Shinawatra and nobody else. Former Democrat MP Thepthai Senapong today (Apr. 15) posted on his Facebook page to conclude Yingluck who has fled the country since the last seven years would almost certainly await the planned homecoming following in the footsteps of her politically powerful brother who has recently implied she would eventually come back some time later this year. It remains to be seen how the de facto Pheu Thai boss would manipulate his sister’s planned homecoming in the face of earlier-delivered court sentences against her which, he said, were not as complicated as his. Thaksin recently told reporters that his sister might probably attend next year’s Songkran festival in Chiang Mai as their northern home province. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra enjoying Songkran festival at a Thai restaurant in London. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

4-day Songkran festival brought 500m Baht to Khaosan Road The 4-day festival, which is held from April 12 to 15, injected around 500m to 600m baht into circulation for businesses on Khaosan Road, according to Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khaosan Road Business Association. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325015-4-day-songkran-festival-brought-500m-baht-to-khaosan-road/

The 4-day festival, which is held from April 12 to 15, injected around 500m to 600m baht into circulation for businesses on Khaosan Road, according to Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khaosan Road Business Association. He said that this year’s revenue growth can be attributed to an increase in the number of international tourists and the fact that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) organised events in both on Khaosan Road and Sanam Luang. On Khaosan Road alone, there were 600 street vendors throughout the festival and the total number of visitors is estimated at 400,000 for the 4-day period, according to Sanga. Thousands of revellers on Khaosan Road and the surrounding areas send off the last night of Songkran festival with water fights, music and dancing. Full story: Thai PBS 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai Airways adjusts Europe flights amid Iran-Israel tension by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Bing Hui Yau FROM:Unsplash.com Thai Airways International has realigned its Europe-bound flights to circumvent the Middle East following Iran’s onslaught on Israel. Concurrently, the Foreign Ministry has reported no immediate repercussions on Thai nationals in Iran and Israel. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325014-thai-airways-adjusts-europe-flights-amid-iran-israel-tension/

Thai Airways International has realigned its Europe-bound flights to circumvent the Middle East following Iran’s onslaught on Israel. Concurrently, the Foreign Ministry has reported no immediate repercussions on Thai nationals in Iran and Israel. Thai Airways International President Chai Eamsiri yesterday confirmed that the airline has made minor alterations to some flight paths to evade the Middle East airspace. However, he assured me that the overall service remains unaffected. Thai Airways Chief Commercial Officer Korakot Chatasingha stated that passengers who had reserved flights via the Middle East had not withdrawn their bookings. He added that the airline is keeping a close watch on the situation. “Flights destined for Europe typically traverse the airspace of the Middle East. Currently, Thai Airways International is utilising alternative routes that bypass Iranian airspace, ensuring no disruption to our service.” In addition, the Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Thai citizens against travelling to Iran and Israel. They cited reports from the Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv, which stated that numerous drones and missiles were launched towards Israel from various directions. It was also reported that Israel was taking defensive measures against these attacks. The ministry stated that Israel had imposed a nationwide restriction on gatherings from 11pm on Saturday to 11pm on Monday. Approximately 28,000 Thais reside in Israel, with another 300 in Iran. The Thai embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are in touch with Thai communities in these countries. So far, no reports have been received about Thai citizens being affected by the Iran-Israel conflict, according to the Foreign Ministry. Meanwhile, due to the volatile gold price fluctuations in international markets amidst the tensions, Thai gold trader Hua Seng Heng suspended trading via its applications yesterday. The company announced that it would recommence its app-based gold trading on Monday, reported Bangkok Post. by Mitch Connor PHOTO VIA: Bing Hui Yau FROM:Unsplash.com Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Another 38 people were killed and 311 others were injured in 317 road accidents on Sunday, bringing total death toll for four days since April 11th to 162. Altogether 1,279 people were injured. Bangkok and Roi-et recorded the most fatalities, at 10 each, while Nakhon Si Thammarat has the most road accidents and injuries, at 50 and 54 respectively. Speeding accounted for 37.22% of road accidents yesterday, drunk driving, 25.87% and poor visibility, 15.46%. Motorcycles were involved in 87.51% of the road accidents. Meanwhile, 2,136 traffic violators were put on probation by the courts yesterday, most of them found guilty of drunk driving. In the past four days, 3,890 people have been put on probation, about 96% of them were found guilty of drunk driving. Bangkok has the most cases of drunk driving, at 399, followed by 227 cases in Nonthaburi and 214 cases in Samut Prakan. Source: Thai PBS 2024-04-16 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreign tourist drowns trying to retrieve water gun from Bangkok canal PHOTO: KomchadLuek A foreign tourist has died after drowning in a Bangkok canal while celebrating Songkran. Nation Thailand reports that the tourist’s body was recovered from the Saen Saep canal, by the Khlong Saen Saep Pier, under the Chalerm Lok Bridge. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324997-foreign-tourist-drowns-trying-to-retrieve-water-gun-from-bangkok-canal/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 16 April 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1325012-thailand-live-tuesday-16-april-2024/

Sudden scaffolding collapse prompts investigation on Rama II Road PHOTO VIA:Wikepedia A sudden scaffolding collapse on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon province prompted an immediate investigation, as ordered by Department of Highways Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1324999-sudden-scaffolding-collapse-prompts-investigation-on-rama-ii-road/

Another 38 people were killed and 311 others were injured in 317 road accidents on Sunday, bringing total death toll for four days since April 11th to 162. Altogether 1,279 people were injured. 162 people killed, 1,279 injured in road accidents in past four days Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1325013-162-people-killed-1279-injured-in-road-accidents-in-past-four-days/