Good Morning Thailand EP.890 | PM Resists Resignation, New Driving Test Rule and Huge Scam Arrest

Songkran death toll increases to almost 200 lives

9 Touko 202312min

Thailand news is abuzz with exciting updates for locals and tourists alike. Bangkok has been voted as the third top destination for backpackers in 2023, and the city is gearing up for the annual Songkran festival celebrations. While a Thai man won 5000 baht for his best outfit at the office’s Songkran party, a senior Buddhist monk has criticized dressing like the Emerald Buddha as inappropriate. Aerothai has reported a 66% increase in domestic and international flights facilitated over the Songkran holidays, from today until April 17. Meanwhile, the South Korean Ambassador to Thailand and embassy staff got into the Thai New Year festive spirit by taking part in the traditional “Ram Thai” dance, which went viral with over 400,000 views on social media. In other Songkran news, Silom Road in the Bang Rak District, a popular destination for water fights, will remain open this year. Both locals and tourists can participate in the water fights on the streets and sidewalks of each Soi. With so many exciting events taking place, it's no wonder Thailand remains a top tourist destination for people from all over the world.

9 Touko 202315min

The Thai Meteorological Department warned residents to be prepared for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. Meanwhile, the Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo announced their success in breeding the rare red-headed vulture, also known as the Asian king vulture. This marks the first successful breeding of the species in Thailand in 30 years and only the second instance worldwide. As Thailand prepares for its most cherished festival, Songkran, a time of renewal and unbridled merriment, the temperature continues to rise. From April 13th to 15th, the festival will showcase Thailand's rich culture and heritage while bringing people together in a spirit of unity and goodwill. Unfortunately, the extreme heat has also caused tragedy. A deceased man was found outside a coffin shop in Kanchanaburi, believed to have died from the scorching heat. On a different note, a brawl broke out between two groups of Koh Larn speed boat operators at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya over passengers, with one operator claiming he was attacked by over 10 members of a mafia speed boat gang.

9 Touko 202316min

Entry fees to Thailand’s Phi-Phi islands have been reeling in about 1 million baht a day for the country’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, since the introduction of the e-ticketing system last July. Chiang Mai‘s work from home measure, introduced by the provincial administration yesterday will continue until tomorrow (Sunday), Thai PBS reported. This is due to the PM2.5 pollution problem in the province, which has not improved. Officials are working with Agoda to boost community-based tourism in the Kaiburi district of Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan province. A pickup truck parked in the sun all day burst into flames in Buriram province in northeast Thailand after a lighter exploded on the front seat yesterday.

9 Touko 202314min

Forbes yesterday released its annual list of the world’s billionaires, and Thailand has its hands in the till with 28 billionaires, three of whom are ranked in the top 150. In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion and prevent accidents, the use of large vehicles with ten or more wheels has been prohibited on six roads during the Songkran holidays. Thailand is looking toward artificial intelligence (AI) to boost economic growth and the kingdom’s vision to become the globe’s fifth-largest economy by 2027.

8 Touko 202316min

Thai police arrested a young British man for destroying property at a 7-Eleven convenience store in the Pathumwan district of Bangkok. Khon Kaen the capital of Isaan is the cheapest tourist destination in Thailand, offering the most competitive room rates, according to online travel giant Agoda. The average going room rate in Khon Kaen on Agoda’s platform is 1,030 Thai baht (US$30). Two kindhearted siblings who gave a lift to a hitchhiker yesterday in the Isaan province of Udon Thani saw their trust backfire when he stole their car. A Buddhist monk ran around the room like a celebrating footballer upon drawing a black card at a military conscription draftee selection event in Nakhon Ratchasima in northeast Thailand on Sunday, meaning that he won’t be required to serve in the military. The Australian man who was tragically stabbed to death at the resort he owned in Krabi, southern Thailand, on his 57th birthday has been identified as Peter Heppell from Perth.

8 Touko 202318min

In recent Thailand news, the Tourism Authority of Thailand anticipates the Songkran holiday to generate 18.5 billion baht in revenue, surpassing 2019 levels due to pent-up demand for domestic travel. However, not all news is positive, as a Maldivian tourist was caught smuggling 25 live birds out of Thailand. In Bangkok, 30 police officers successfully rescued a family of five after an 18-hour hostage crisis. On a lighter note, a Thai man won the lottery using numbers provided by ChatGPT. Overall, Thailand continues to experience a mix of ups and downs in its news cycle.

8 Touko 202313min

In Thailand news, the country's lottery office has announced that it will no longer be paying out prizes with cash due to concerns over Covid-19 transmission. Winners will instead receive their payouts via bank transfer or electronic payment. Major oil companies have taken a precautionary step to stabilize the oil market by cutting production. This move comes as the global economy continues to be impacted by the pandemic. On a more alarming note, Chiang Mai has been ranked as the most polluted city in the world for nine consecutive days. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect their health. In a positive development, Bangkok police have rescued two underage girls from a prostitution ring. The girls were found in a hotel where they were being held against their will. The police have arrested several suspects in connection with the case. Lastly, a Taiwanese foodie has made headlines for eating 61 bowls of noodles at a Bangkok restaurant. The food challenge attracted a lot of attention on social media and has since gone viral. While it may seem like a lighthearted story, it serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local businesses during these difficult times.

8 Touko 202316min