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- Power Plants Torched in Southern Border ProvincesSONGKHLA, April 26 (TNA) – Two groups of assailants wreaked havoc by setting off explosives and igniting two biomass power plants simultaneously in the provinces of Songkhla and Pattani in the wee hours of the night on Friday. At least four attackers, dressed in black attire with obscured faces were captured on closed-circuit television within […]
SONGKHLA, April 26 (TNA) – Two groups of assailants wreaked havoc by setting off explosives and igniting two biomass power plants simultaneously in the provinces of Songkhla and Pattani in the wee hours of the night on Friday.
At least four attackers, dressed in black attire with obscured faces were captured on closed-circuit television within the Rungtiva biomass power plant premises, located in Sabayoi District, Songkhla Province.
CCTV footage revealed two armed men inspecting the site after midnight while the other two carried a gas canister loaded with an explosive device along with two large bags of gasoline into the power plant.
About half an hour later, three explosions ensued, causing significant damage to the buildings and power generation equipment.
Simultaneously, another group of 5-10 assailants set ablaze a biomass power plant and vehicles in the Mae Lan District of Pattani Province.
Similarly captured by surveillance cameras, these perpetrators, donning masks, forcibly evacuated seven staff members from the plant, restrained them, and proceeded to set the premises ablaze.
The sound of subsequent explosions rang out five times, resulting in extensive damage to the power plant.
Following the incidents, authorities promptly cordoned off the areas, prohibiting access, to facilitate investigation and evidence collection.
Additionally, disturbances were reported as assailants set fire to vehicles’ tires in multiple locations connecting the two provinces of Pattani’s Khok Pho District and Songkhla’s Thepha District. -819 (TNA)
26 April 26 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1356222 - Sun Shines Directly Overhead in BangkokBANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) – Today, the sun will be directly overhead in Bangkok for the first time this year. This phenomenon will occur around 12.16 p.m. local time. During this period, objects at the sun’s zenith will appear to have no shadows. According to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), this occurrence, […]
BANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) – Today, the sun will be directly overhead in Bangkok for the first time this year.
This phenomenon will occur around 12.16 p.m. local time. During this period, objects at the sun’s zenith will appear to have no shadows.
According to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), this occurrence, known as a solar zenith passage, happens when the sun is directly above a specific location on Earth.
It does not necessarily indicate the hottest day of the year, as various factors such as rainfall, cloud cover, humidity, and accumulated heat influence temperature.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted that temperatures in Bangkok will reach 39 degrees Celsius today, while in Udon Thani Province, it is predicted to soar to 43.4 degrees Celsius.
Thailand’s location in the tropical zone between latitudes 5-20 degrees north results in the sun passing near the zenith or directly overhead different regions of the country twice a year, typically in April-May and July-September.
However, each province experiences the solar zenith passage at different times. This year, the solar zenith passage began in southern Thailand on April 4 and gradually moved northward, concluding in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, on May 22.
The next occurrence of the sun directly overhead in Bangkok will be on August 16. -819 (TNA)
26 April 26 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1356178 - Bangkok Implements New Footpath StandardsThe Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance pedestrian infrastructure across the city, introducing new durable footpath standards aimed at prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility.
BANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a comprehensive initiative to enhance pedestrian infrastructure across the city, introducing new durable footpath standards aimed at prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility.
With a focus on placing pedestrians at the center, the BMA’s plan includes the expansion of the footpath network by initially adding 16 routes, ensuring that sidewalks are robust, universally designed, and aligned with the distinctive identity of each neighborhood.
Bangkok City Hall spokesperson, Ekwaranyu Amrapal along with Pathumwan District chief on Thursday led a media delegation to survey the sidewalks along Ratchadamri and Phloen Chit Roads.
They also inspected the enhancement of drainage covers designed to reflect the identity of the Ratchadamri-Phloen Chit area.These sidewalks are considered among the leading routes in implementing the new footpath standards.
Moreover, they ensure that the entrances and exits of buildings align closely with the sidewalks, allowing for easy and pleasant pedestrian access.
In the initial phase, the goal is set at 1,000 kilometers through three methods: entirely new pathways, urgently repairing damaged sections, and adapting innovations suitable for the area.
Currently, there are 16 routes in Bangkok undergoing renovation to meet the new footpath standards, including Ratchadamri, Phloen Chit, and Udomsuk Roads.
Within this year, plans are in place to implement the new standards on an additional 38 routes, followed by 22 routes in 2025. -819 (TNA)
26 April 26 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1355994 - 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