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- Arrest Warrants Issued for Japanese Suspects in Murder CaseBANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) – The court has issued arrest warrants for two Japanese suspects in a murder case involving a compatriot. The arrest warrants came after the police apprehended a Thai man, who admitted he was the driver, hired by the Japanese men to take them to a warehouse in the Phutthamonthon area. The […]
BANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) – The court has issued arrest warrants for two Japanese suspects in a murder case involving a compatriot.
The arrest warrants came after the police apprehended a Thai man, who admitted he was the driver, hired by the Japanese men to take them to a warehouse in the Phutthamonthon area.
The Thai driver said the three Japanese men were arguing in the car. When they reached the destination, the passenger in the back seat told him to leave the vehicle before a gunshot was heard.
He then found the Japanese man on the front passenger seat was shot dead. The body was then brought into the warehouse, dismembered and put into plastic bags. He was told to dump body parts in various locations in the Bang Bua Thong area.
After the body parts were discovered, the police found the deceased was a Japanese national who entered Thailand on December 12, 2023, through Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The victim and the perpetrators are believed to being part of the same Yakuza gang, known for illegal activities in Japan and conducting illegal business in Thailand.
Bang Bua Thong Police gathered evidence to obtain arrest warrants for Mr. Kato Takuya, 50 and Mr. Suzuki Hiroto, 33 both Japanese nationals. They are wanted for jointly murdering a person, concealing the corpse.
Later, police inspected a condominium in the Sukhumvit area and found evidence from closed-circuit cameras capturing Mr. Hiroto carrying his belongings to escape. The police believe both suspects may attempt to cross the border to a neighboring country.According to a report, one of the Japanese suspects is even a senior member of the Yakuza gang in Japan and has been in Thailand for several years with his visa being revoked last year. He has been on the Japanese police’s wanted list with a red notice.
It is initially believed the deceased had violated the rules of the Yakuza gang and was ordered to be eliminated. -819 (TNA)
25 April 25 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1355694 - BoT Urges Cabinet to Review “Digital Wallet” InitiativeBANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) – The Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has sent an urgent letter to the Cabinet to review the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, suggesting it should target only a select group of 15 million financially vulnerable people. The government plans to start the 10,000 – baht handouts to each of […]
BANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) – The Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT) has sent an urgent letter to the Cabinet to review the 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, suggesting it should target only a select group of 15 million financially vulnerable people.
The government plans to start the 10,000 – baht handouts to each of 50 million Thais to spend in their communities in the fourth quarter of this year. The scheme is expected to cost around 500 billion baht.
The BoT governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput proposed focusing the initiative solely on financially vulnerable groups, such as those with low income or holders of the government’s welfare cards, totaling 15 million people. This targeted approach, costing only 150 billion Baht, aims to mitigate the impact on fiscal stability.
The BoT warned the digital wallet initiative could pose a significant long-term burden on the treasury. Failure to maintain the stability of public debt could increase the risk of Thailand’s credit rating downgrade. If Thailand’s credit rating is downgraded, borrowing costs for both the public and private sectors could increase.
Moreover, the borrowing plan for the fiscal year 2025 to almost the legal threshold would leave only 5 billion baht in loans remaining, which might not be sufficient in case of emergencies.
Amid global political uncertainty, the government should consider investing 500 billion baht to address structural economic issues, such as medical workforce development, free education for 15 years nationwide, the dual-track railway and the Blue Line metro extension, the BoT suggested.
Meanwhile, the BoT’s Assistant Governor for Monetary Policy, Piti Disyatat reiterated that the BoT did not oppose government initiatives to stimulate the economy but emphasized the need to target assistance to specific struggling groups, ensuring cost-effectiveness and budget efficiency. -819 (TNA)
25 April 25 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1355448 - Thai FM: Improved Situation at Myanmar BorderThe Foreign Ministry discloses that the situation at the Thai-Myanmar border has improved, with no shootings in Myanmar reported within 48 hours but continuous monitoring is necessary.
BANGKOK, April 24 (TNA) – The Foreign Ministry discloses that the situation at the Thai-Myanmar border has improved, with no shootings in Myanmar reported within 48 hours but continuous monitoring is necessary.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nikorndej Balankura on Wednesday stated that a report from a special task force meeting indicated that the situation, in which clashes between the Myanmar troops and the ethnic armed forces were reported over the past two weeks in Myawaddy, opposite Thailand’s mae Sot remains uncertain, with fluctuations and an expansion of conflict areas. The situation is assessed to potentially see an increase in the influx of refugees into Thailand.
However, over the past 48 hours, there have been no reports of fighting. Thailand’s stance is to uphold sovereignty while adhering to humanitarian principles by assisting all parties without discrimination.
He said Thailand has proposed to Laos as ASEAN chair to hold the ASEAN Troika meeting consisting of the current, previous, and upcoming ASEAN chairs and ASEAN Troika Plus to widen participation for interested ASEAN member countries to join discussions to find ways to establish peace in Myanmar.
The venue and timing have not yet been finalized with updates to be provided as progress is made. Thailand is ready to be one of the mediators for talks but has not yet been contacted by either the Myanmar government or opposition groups.
As for the current impact, it has primarily affected border trade temporarily. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministers visited the border town of Mae Sot yesterday to monitor the situation, visit officials and citizens to boost morale.
The majority of refugees have returned, leaving only 650 individuals remaining with plans for their return. The Royal Thai Army is prepared around the clock, with 50 assistance points established.
The closure of the second border checkpoint in Mae Sot is due to the risk, coupled with the inability of Myanmar officials to perform their duties. Both sides hope for a swift reopening of the checkpoint, he added. -819 (TNA)
24 April 24 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1355139 - Fire Rekindles at Rayong Chemical Storage FacilityRAYONG, April 24 (TNA) – Following a fire at a chemical storage warehouse in Rayong province which erupted two days ago, the firefighting team has revised their fire suppression plan after some fire spots rekindled. Backhoe trucks have used to scoop soil to smother the flames at the chemical storage warehouse of Win Process Co., […]
RAYONG, April 24 (TNA) – Following a fire at a chemical storage warehouse in Rayong province which erupted two days ago, the firefighting team has revised their fire suppression plan after some fire spots rekindled.
Backhoe trucks have used to scoop soil to smother the flames at the chemical storage warehouse of Win Process Co., Ltd., in Baan Khai district as some areas remain smoldering, and fire spots have reignited intermittently.
The district chief, Thotsaphon Borwornmote disclosed that water spray proved ineffective as certain chemicals cannot be extinguished with water. Therefore, soil or sand covering is necessary. Foam suppression is no longer required.
Four fire trucks are deployed, aiming for the quickest resolution, especially after concerns from Rayong governor about prolonged impact on the community.
Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharawat Wongsuwan instructed the Pollution Control Department to inspect the air quality in the area within a range of 300 meters to 10 kilometers. He said the initial inspection found no dangerous chemicals or hazardous air conditions, posing harm to local residents.
The Director-General of the Pollution Control Department Priyaporn Suwannakes said that air quality monitoring around the vicinity of the fire-affected area revealed minimal chemical fumes to the north of the factory and lingering smoke odor.
However, air quality remains within safe limits, although continuous monitoring will persist until the situation normalizes.
Meanwhile, residents in areas, which are downwind, have been evacuated to a temporary shelter at the Nong Phawa Temple. However, due to changing wind directions, suitable evacuation points are being sought again. Initial reports indicate five people with dizziness.
Director-General of the Department of Health, Atthapol Kaewsamrit conducted a risk assessment on-site, particularly regarding tap water. The assessment concluded that tap water samples from surrounding communities were safe for use.
Police at Baan Khai station are accelerating interrogations of the head of workers and employees of the factory to determine the cause.
The warehouses of the industrial waste disposal company stored contaminated water, oil sludge, automotive rubber, plastic, and electronic components. -819 (TNA)
24 April 24 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1354867 - Thai Electricity Consumption Hits Record HighBANGKOK, April 23 (TNA) – With the scorching weather last night, Thais battled the heat by cranking up their air conditioners, leading to a surge in electricity usage to a new peak around 9 p.m. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) reported that Thai electricity consumption skyrocketed, breaking consecutive peak records. The latest surge […]
BANGKOK, April 23 (TNA) – With the scorching weather last night, Thais battled the heat by cranking up their air conditioners, leading to a surge in electricity usage to a new peak around 9 p.m.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) reported that Thai electricity consumption skyrocketed, breaking consecutive peak records. The latest surge occurred at 8:57 p.m. last night, reaching 35,550.9 megawatts, which is 1,420.4 megawatts higher than the previous year, marking a 4.2% increase. The extreme heat during the daytime accumulated heat, contributing to this surge.
Despite electricity rates per unit remaining unchanged in the first eight months of this year, Thailand employs a tiered pricing system where the more electricity used, the higher the rate per unit becomes, resulting in increased costs for consumers.
With the scorching months in this summer, this surge in electricity usage has already happened five times this year.
While the Ministry of Energy ensures adequate electricity and fuel supply, the increasing production costs due to the rising prices of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the weakening baht will inevitably lead to increased costs for consumers in the future. -819 (TNA)23 April 23 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1354513 - Thai-Myanmar Border Situation Remains UnsettledTAK, April 23 (TNA) – The situation at the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, remains volatile as sounds of gunfire and explosions from clashes between Karen groups and Myanmar troops have been resurfaced after a three-day hiatus. The explosions have been heard almost ten times in succession, along with sporadic gunfire from […]
TAK, April 23 (TNA) – The situation at the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, remains volatile as sounds of gunfire and explosions from clashes between Karen groups and Myanmar troops have been resurfaced after a three-day hiatus.
The explosions have been heard almost ten times in succession, along with sporadic gunfire from the clashes.
These incidents have occurred near the second Friendship Bridge, located on the Myanmar side of Myawaddy town. This area, once deemed secure by the 275th Battalion, has now become the last stronghold after the opposition group’s recent attacks led to its defeat a week ago.
Reports suggest that the Myanmar troops stationed there may now number fewer than a hundred, after about a hundred injured soldiers were sent for treatment in Thailand over the past three to four days, with the remaining soldiers attempting to hold onto the last stronghold while awaiting reinforcements.
However, the opposing group is relentless in their attacks, with clashes occurring this morning, marking the first confrontation in three days.
During a lull in gunfire, it is anticipated that the ethnic armed groups may have diverted their forces to ambush the reinforcements of Myanmar troops arriving in Kawkareik, approximately 40 kilometers from Myawaddy.
Meanwhile, the first Friendship Bridge checkpoint remains open for regular civilian crossings. Some people from Myawaddy working in Thailand are still crossing the border back home due to concern over the welfare of their relatives on the Myanmar side.
For instance, a young man travelling from Bangkok is considering crossing to check on a his grandfather who is ill but hesitates due to the uncertainty of returning to Thailand, given reports of understaffing and disrupted border documentation procedures on the Myawaddy side.
As for the nearly 3,000 refugees who have fled the conflict and crossed into Thailand over the past week, most have begun returning to Myawaddy in a continuous stream, leaving around 900 still sheltering in Thailand.
This afternoon, the Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs is expected to visit the Mae Sot border area to assess the situation and strategize on how to handle any further escalation of the conflict in Myanmar. -819 (TNA)
23 April 23 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1354482 - Myanmar Residents Returning HomeTAK, April 23 (TNA) – Myanmar residents, taking shelter in the Thai border town of Mae Sot have begun returning home in Myawaddy with no reported clashes for two consecutive days. Over a thousand people expressed their intent to return on a single day. Thousands of Myanmar nationals had been forced to flee, crossing the […]
TAK, April 23 (TNA) – Myanmar residents, taking shelter in the Thai border town of Mae Sot have begun returning home in Myawaddy with no reported clashes for two consecutive days.
Over a thousand people expressed their intent to return on a single day.
Thousands of Myanmar nationals had been forced to flee, crossing the Moei River and seek refuge in Thailand following clashes between anti-government forces and the Myanmar military at the Myawaddy permanent checkpoint.
Thai Public Health Minister Cholanan Srikaew on Monday (April 22) visited Mae Sot to monitor the situation and initial assistance to border-crossers receiving medical care at Mae Sot Hospital.
Since April 20, a total of 113 people from Myanmar have been treated there, with the hospital prepared to accommodate emergency patients without discrimination and provide full assistance.
As of April 22, a total of 1,219 displaced persons remain temporarily in safe areas in Tak province, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, the disabled, and malaria patients.
According to reports from the army’s operations center, strategies have been devised to manage the situation in Mae Sot, including reinforcing troops and equipment deployment along the Thai-Myanmar border around the clock, as per the defense forces’ contingency plan.
Five temporary safe zones have been established to accommodate displaced persons, with full healthcare support provided. Additionally, the army and local agencies have conducted preparedness drills to effectively handle any situation.
Meanwhile, the Air Force has deployed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance missions along the Thai border. -819 (TNA)23 April 23 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1354234 - Fire Erupts at Rayong Chemical WarehouseFirefighters have been withdrawn from the scene of a fire at chemical warehouses in Rayong province, following a chemical tank explosion.
RAYONG, April 22 (TNA) – Firefighters have been withdrawn from the scene of a fire at chemical warehouses in Rayong province, following chemical tank explosions on Monday.
The fire at the warehouses storing industrial waste and chemicals in Baan Khai district has been raging for over 6 hours. The fire continues to spread throughout the storage building, which houses nearly 10 warehouses, accompanied by continuous explosions.
For safety reasons, firefighters and fire trucks have been withdrawn from the scene due to the ongoing chemical tank explosions and the dispersion of chemicals into the air, causing both foul odors and eye and skin irritation.
The Director-General of the Department of Pollution Control has instructed the Pollution Control Division to coordinate with the local administration to consider evacuating residents in the affected area, including schools or childcare centers, to safe locations. Local authorities have established an evacuation center at Wat Nong Phawa.
The Pollution Control Center of Rayong province and the Environmental Pollution Control Office were ordered to send officials to assess air quality in the surrounding communities. Meanwhile, emergency response units are preparing to inspect the site and provide recommendations.
Officials from the Rayong Industrial Office revealed that the company, providing industrial waste disposal service is under the supervision of the Department of Industrial Works and is subject to legal action.
Most recently, the owner of the factory was found guilty by the court of possessing hazardous and toxic substances and was ordered to properly dispose of all industrial waste according to the required procedures.
However, the fire broke out before they could comply with the court order and remove the waste for proper disposal. -819 (TNA)
22 April 22 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1353917 - Thailand’s First Vietnamese Street Food HubUDON THANI, April 22 (TNA) – In the northeastern province of Udon Thani Province, there’s a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, prepared by Thais of Vietnamese descents. These dishes are gaining a reputation as the first Vietnamese street food hub in Thailand. Udon Thani is known for its cultural diversity, with communities like the Sri […]
UDON THANI, April 22 (TNA) – In the northeastern province of Udon Thani Province, there’s a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, prepared by Thais of Vietnamese descents.These dishes are gaining a reputation as the first Vietnamese street food hub in Thailand.
Udon Thani is known for its cultural diversity, with communities like the Sri Suk Soi 2 neighborhood being home to Thais of Vietnamese descents. Here, the culinary identity of the community shines brightly.
Jantima Likakitjatorn, a seller of Vietnamese-style crepes shared the delicious legend passed down through generations.She said her great-grand father had told her the Vietnamese crepe was traditionally prepared on the 5th of May as an offering to ancestors, a tradition that may date back over 100 years.
The dish consists of ground bamboo shoots, minced pork, dried shrimp, mixed with rice flour, chicken eggs, and coconut milk. Once cooked, it has a crispy golden exterior and a soft, tender inside, served with a special dipping sauce.Buppha Rungsawang, a public relations officer at the Vietnamese Community Office in Udon Thani Province said over 99% of residents in the alley of Vietnamese descent, mostly business owners like white pork sausage factory owners and bakeries. Inspired by their heritage, they initiated the idea of establishing Thailand’s first Vietnamese street food hub.
Thai-Vietnamese residents in this neighborhood collaborate to create authentic dishes passed down through generations, allowing locals and visitors from nearby provinces to enjoy Vietnamese delicacies without traveling to Vietnam.
These include Banh Xeo (Vietnamese crepe), Banh Cuon (Vietnamese rice rolls), Vietnamese-style pizza, freshly baked Vietnamese bread, minced pork wrapped in betel leaves, fried eggs, Vietnamese coffee, and many more.
Additionally, tourists can dress up in Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) or national Vietnamese attire offered for taking photos free of charge. Three-dimensional wall art is also available at the office area.
Busaraporn Klangprom, who lives in Udon Thani expressed excitement and satisfaction, likening the atmosphere to Vietnam, as she has visited Vietnam several times before. She recommends friends to visit the Vietnam Town here in Udon Thani, and what impressed her the most was the wide variety of food available.
The Vietnam Town is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until food runs out. Currently, it attracts not only locals from Udon Thani Province and nearby provinces but also a significant number of foreign tourists.
This initiative is seen as part of the efforts to boost tourism revenue for the province. The Udon Thani Tourism Authority office reported that from January to February this year, tourism income exceeded 2 billion baht. -819 (TNA)
22 April 22 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1353844 - Children Infected with Virus after Attending Foam PartySUPHAN BURI, April 22 (TNA) – At least 65 children fell ill after attending a foam party during the Songkran festival in Suphan Buri province. Their symptoms include diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, fever and rash. They have received treatment at Chao Phraya Yommaraj Hospital and private hospitals. Dr. Rattapon Wetsaranarasutee of the provincial public health […]
SUPHAN BURI, April 22 (TNA) – At least 65 children fell ill after attending a foam party during the Songkran festival in Suphan Buri province.
Their symptoms include diarrhea, stomach ache, nausea, fever and rash. They have received treatment at Chao Phraya Yommaraj Hospital and private hospitals.
Dr. Rattapon Wetsaranarasutee of the provincial public health office province, has formed a disease investigation team to examine all the affected children.
It was found that the sick children had visited the banana conservation center in Mueang district, Suphan Buri province, for Songkran water play.
The water tunnel and foam party were held at the event.
Upon examining the feces of child patients, it was discovered that they were infected with the rotavirus.
Health authorities conducted preliminary investigations and suspected that the cause might stem from the water. They inspected the water sources and play areas, sending water samples for analysis at the Medical Science Center in Samut Songkhram province, a process expected to take around 14 days.
Meanwhile, Anon Rakphon, Chairman of the Suphan Buri Banana Conservation Center revealed that the banana garden utilized the tap water. Subsequently, when the water became insufficient, water from the garden’s canal was used as well.
He apologized to the affected public and pledged to prevent such incidents from recurring. Plans are underway to dig an artisan well for next year.
A 29-year-old mother revealed that she took her 9-year-old daughter and 1-year and 7-month-old twin sons to play during Songkran at the banana conservation center.
However, shortly after arriving, she said they smelled a strange odor in the water, prompting them to leave. On April 18, the children began experiencing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, so they rushed to Chao Phraya Yommaraj Hospital for treatment. The elder twin has been permitted to return home, while the younger twin remains hospitalized. Adults in her house also fell ill later. -819 (TNA)
22 April 22 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1353787