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- Butterfly Wonderland at Thai National ParkDuring summer, millions of butterflies of various species take flight from the forests to greet tourists visiting the Lam Chae Dam area in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA, April 19 (TNA) – During summer, millions of butterflies of various species take flight from the forest to the Lam Chae Dam area, creating a spectacular sight for tourists to take close-up photos of these beautiful creatures.
Located in the Thap Lan National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Lam Chae Dam not only serves as a popular water tourism destination with various water play spots to cool off, but also becomes a butterfly wonderland.
These butterflies, with their diverse species and stunning colors, showcase the richness of the forest ecosystem in this national park.
Mr. Khampha Songkrathok, 50, the head of the Lam Chae Dam tourist boat service group, stated that Lam Chae Dam is currently popular among tourists, especially families and groups of friends, who come to admire the abundant natural beauty of the lush forests and enjoy water activities.
Particularly during the recent Songkran holiday, there has been an influx of tourists to Lam Chae Dam, with over a thousand visitors daily, greatly boosting the atmosphere and economy of the local community.
Due to the scorching weather, various species of butterflies take flight from Thap Lan Forest to the dam, welcoming tourists from late morning until afternoon every day.
This period of clear weather enhances the beauty of the dam allowing visitors to take close-up photos of the butterflies and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
It is expected that the butterflies will continue to gather and delight tourists until the end of this hot season. – 819 (TNA)
19 April 19 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1352361 - Deputy Police Chief Suspended from DutiesThe acting national police chief has signed an order to suspend Pol. Gen. Surachate "Big Joke" Hakparn and four subordinates from police duties following criminal proceedings.
BANGKOK, April 19 (TNA) – The acting national police chief has signed an order to suspend Pol. Gen. Surachate “Big Joke” Hakparn and four subordinates from police duties following criminal proceedings.
All five officers are suspected of being involved in money laundering linked to a gambling network. Pol. Gen. Surachate had earlier his legal team reschedule his meeting with the police investigators on the case at the Tao Poon police station for April 27.
Acting national police chief Pol.Gen. Kitrat Panphet on Thursday met the prime minister at Government House before he later disclosed that he had signed the suspension order for Pol. Gen. Surachate and his four subordinates.
The Prime Minister must be informed as he earlier issued the order for Pol. Gen. Surachate to perform duties at the Prime Minister’s Office, said the acting police chief.
However, he said Pol. Gen. Surachate has the right to appeal this order according to the law. -819 (TNA)
19 April 19 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1352296 - Sand Pagodas Created Along Bangsaen BeachThe local authorities organize the tradition of building sand pagodas along Bang Saen beach to celebrate the Wan Lai festival in the eastern province of Chonburi.
CHONBURI, April 18 (TNA) – The local authorities organize the tradition of building sand pagodas along Bang Saen beach to celebrate the Wan Lai festival in the eastern province of Chonburi.
The Wan Lai festival is part of the Thai New Year celebration mainly held in some eastern and central provinces after the main Songkran Thai New Year events, celebrated in mid-April across the country.
There are activities such as pouring water over Buddha images, building sand pagodas, splashing water, and traditional Thai folk games.
At Bangsaen Beach, the sand pagoda building tradition stretches along the entire beachfront. This is one of the Wan Lai traditions, with the idea of transporting sand into temples for construction or repair purposes.
The sand sculptures often take the form of Buddha statues, pagodas, or other religious symbols, decorated with various materials such as flowers, seashells, and colorful flags to create beauty.
Meanwhile, the municipal office of Sri Racha Municipality on Wednesday (April 17) organized a ceremony to pour scented water over the hands of the elderly to pay respect to them as part of the Songkran and Wan Lai festivities.
Buddha statues were carried in the procession around the city to allow people to sprinkle water over the statues for blessings. – 819 (TNA)
18 April 18 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1352048 - Ammonia Leak from Ice Factory in ChonburiAn ammonia leak from an ice factory startled and affected local residents late last night (April 17) in Chonburi province.
CHONBURI, April 18 (TNA) – An ammonia leak from an ice factory startled and affected local residents late last night (April 17) in Chonburi province.
The leak resulted in residents experiencing eye irritation, nasal irritation, vomiting, and some even losing consciousness.
The incident occurred before midnight when ammonia from the ice factory in Bang Lamung district leaked out, spreading chemical fumes over an area of more than 1 kilometer. Authorities rushed to the scene to control the situation.
Officials promptly evacuated residents from the area and provided preliminary medical assistance before transferring them to hospitals.
Initial reports indicate that 141 residents were affected, with 3 classified as red level, 9 as yellow level, and 129 as green level.
Following the incident, the district chief of Bang Lamung, Weekit Manarojkit, stated that officials had successfully closed all leaking ammonia valves.
Affected residents were promptly transported to hospitals, with temporary shelters set up nearby for those with less severe symptoms.
Subsequently, chief of the Chonburi Provincial Police Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawatkiart Jindakwuansanong, along with factory management and relevant officials, inspected the facility. Firefighters continued to spray water while controlling the ammonia odor. Initial inspections within the ice factory revealed no evidence of explosion.
Factory manager Boonanan Patthanasin stated that after thorough inspection, no signs of explosion or fire were found. However, detailed checks on the ammonia leakage points would be conducted to determine the exact source of the leak.
He apologized, explaining that the incident may have occurred due to employees’ oversight in not properly closing the system, leading to the leakage affecting nearby residents. He confirmed that ammonia cannot explode unless ignited, and the incident was indeed a genuine leakage. The factory will take full responsibility and care for all affected individuals.
Around 3 a.m. on Thursday, the Pattaya Rescue Facebook page posted an update stating that the situation at the ice factory had returned to normal, and residents could return to their homes.
Chief of the Chonburi Provincial Industry Office Angsumalin Chadsuwanwari, ordered the temporary closure of the factory for maintenance and repairs.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the leak may have originated from a damaged pipe within the ice production system, necessitating further detailed examination. If the corrective measures meet safety standards, operations will be allowed to resume.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, comprehensive inspections and reports will be conducted, including the use of ammonia and refrigerants in factories, to prevent recurrence.
According to the Department of Industrial Works, Thailand currently has 1,865 ice factories operating under the Factory Act of 1992. -819 (TNA)
18 April 18 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1351933 - Thailand, New Zealand to Forge “Strategic Partnership” by 2026Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed and engaged in bilateral discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher at Government House on Wednesday.
BANGKOK, April 18 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister and Finance Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomed and engaged in bilateral discussions with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher at Government House on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister expressed honor to welcome Prime Minister Luxon, together with his delegation. This marks the first visit of a New Zealand Prime Minister to Thailand in eleven years
Prime Minister Laxon was accompanied by Simon Watts, Climate Change Minister of New Zealand, and Paolo Garcia, Member of the New Zealand Parliament, along with officials from relevant government agencies and New Zealand business delegates.
The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate Thailand – New Zealand relations to a “Strategic Partnership” in 2026 or sooner, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations.
They witnessed the signing of the two MOUs including the Education Agreement between Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission and New Zealand’s Massey University and the Agreement on Supply, Repair and Maintenance Support between Thailand’s Thai Aviation Industries Co., Ltd. and New Zealand’s NZSkydive Limited.
Thailand and New Zealand pledge strengthened defense and security cooperation.
Thai and New Zealand Prime Ministers affirm commitment to combat transnational organized crimes, focusing on anti-human and drug trafficking, cyber-security, and counter-terrorism. They aim to triple bilateral trade by 2045.
Both leaders welcome efforts to enhance people-to-people ties, as New Zealand is home to some 13,000 Thai nationals, and has always been a popular and enriching destination for Thai students and scholars.
They prioritize visa facilitation and the resumption of direct flights to meet targets of welcoming 100,000 New Zealanders to Thailand and 40,000 Thai tourists to New Zealand by next year.
Discussions include regional issues like Myanmar. Thailand is monitoring the situation along the Thai – Myanmar border closely, and hopes that the Myanmar parties pursue dialogue towards a peaceful solution, consistent with ASEAN’s Five-point Consensus. – 819 (TNA)
18 April 18 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1351717 - Chiang Mai Begins Songkran Celebrations with Highest Sand PagodaChiang Mai residents on Thursday gathered to participate in merit-making activities by making the sand pagoda, towering up to 17 meters, as part of the traditional New Year festivities in this northern city.
CHIANG MAI, April 11 (TNA) – Chiang Mai residents on Thursday gathered to participate in merit-making activities by making the sand pagoda, towering up to 17 meters, as part of the traditional New Year festivities in this northern city.
The event took place at the Jedlin Temple in Mueang District, aiming to preserve the Lanna cultural heritage.
The sand is donated by the people to make the sand pagoda decorated with colorful Lanna-style flags. Traditional music and dance performances were held for the celebration.
Additionally, a ritual of pouring water over the province’s senior monk is conducted, using the water from the eight sacred sources in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces.
Devotees poured the holy water into a trough to reach the senior monk, sitting in a wooden pavilion. Afterwards, attendees collected blessed water from sacred sources in bottles to take home, symbolizing auspicious beginnings for the New Year.
The New Year festivities at Wat Jet Lin will continue until April 16, encompassing various traditional rituals and cultural performances. -819 (TNA)
11 April 11 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1349077 - Bangkok Warehouse Declared Dangerous Zone Due to Cadmium WasteBangkok authorities have declared the area around a scrap metal warehouse in Bang Sue district a hazardous zone after finding cadmium waste there.
BANGKOK, April 11 (TNA) – Bangkok authorities have declared the area around a scrap metal warehouse in Bang Sue district a hazardous zone after finding cadmium waste there.
The Bang Sue district office has announced the area as hazardous, prohibiting residence or operations due to the highly dangerous chemical nature of cadmium, which poses a threat to life. Following the discovery, Bangkok’s Health Department swiftly assessed the premises’ condition and planned urgent health checks for residents in the area.
This move comes after an inspection by the industry minister, Pimpatra Wichaikul, along with Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, and relevant officials on Wednesday.
Initial inspections found around 150 tons of cadmium waste, which had been transported and stored at the warehouse in Soi Wiangpreecha, Pracharat1Road since October 2023. Investigations revealed that the female owner is a relative of the man who owns a smelting factory in Samut Sakhon, where cadmium waste was previously discovered.
Out of an estimated total of 13,800 tons of cadmium waste dug up from a landfill in Tak, approximately 12,420 tons was found in recent seizures in Samut Sakhon and Chonburi and Bangkok, leaving around 1,000 tons yet to be located, said permanent secretary for industry Nattapol Rangsitpol.
Investigations are ongoing to determine permissions obtained to exhume cadmium tailings from the landfill, owners involved. Relevant companies are being summoned to discuss responsibility for transporting the cadmium waste back for permanent burial in the landfill in Tak province.
Regarding state officials implicated in this matter, the Minister of Industry confirmed that penalties would be enforced without exception.
The industry ministry also announced plans for safe transport after the Songkran holiday, aiming to ensure public safety. Once this process is completed, efforts will continue to prevent similar incidents in the future. -819 (TNA)
11 April 11 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1348912 - Fighting Erupts in Myawaddy, Forcing Residents to FleeResistance forces have launched a fierce attack on the Myanmar military base, which is reportedly the last junta forces in the eastern border town of Myawaddy.
TAK, April 10 (TNA) – Resistance forces have launched a fierce attack on the Myanmar military base, which is reportedly the last junta forces in the eastern border town of Myawaddy.
Explosions echoed along the Thai – Myanmar border in Mae Sot, Tak province while Myanmar residents were seen fleeing for safety through the Mae Sot border checkpoint.
The tension in Myawaddy has intensified as the opposition forces clash for control of the last stronghold held by the Myanmar military. In the early hours on Wednesday, the Karen National Union (KNU), the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) in alliance with anti-coup fighters from the People’s Defence Force (PDF) invaded the 275th battalion, leading to the continuous exchange of gunfire for several hours.
The anti-coup forces utilized explosive-laden drones to attack the military base, while also deploying heavy artillery and machine guns.
However, the Myanmar troops retaliated with heavy gunfire and a large number of heavy weapons to attack the rebel forces’ hiding areas.
Myanmar Air Force fighter jets dropped numerous bombs, resulting in smoke and fires visible from afar.
Due to the prolonged clashes, many families have evacuated from Myawaddy through the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge to relatives’ homes on the Thai side, using temporary border pass.
Approximately 200 villagers, mostly children and elderly were seen crossing the Moei River on long-tail boats to take refuge temporarily in the no-man’s-land area located outside Thai territory.
Both Mae Sot- Myawaddy border checkpoints remain open, albeit with heightened security measures.
The clashes have continued relentlessly, about 5 kilometers away from the Thai-Myanmar border. Residents in the Mae Sot district could clearly hear the sound of heavy weapon explosions.
Thai security forces, including the military, police, and local authorities, have fully armed themselves and deployed forces to secure the border checkpoint and the entire Thai-Myanmar border. -819 (TNA)
10 April 10 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1348573 - Elephants Join Water Splashes in AyutthayaThe Songkran Festival in the ancient city of Ayutthaya has commenced with elephants adorned with colorful paints splashing water joyously.
AYUTTHAYA, April 10 (TNA) – The Songkran Festival in the ancient city of Ayutthaya has commenced with elephants adorned with colorful paints splashing water joyously.
It is all set to welcome both Thai and international tourists.
Senior officials from the tourism office and local authorities on Tuesday joined hands to kick off the Songkran water festival for the year 2024 at the Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal in Ayutthaya under the theme “Ayutthaya Grand Songkran: Fun, Happiness, and Merit.
The Director of the Elephant Palace has brought in ten elephants, painted with beautiful flower patterns resembling the province’s symbolic flowers.
The pachyderms participated in the water splashing festivities with great enthusiasm. This event aims to conserve and pass on the beautiful traditions and cultural heritage while also generating income for the local people and boosting the local economy.
Visitors and locals can enjoy the Songkran festivities at designated locations from noon to 9 p.m., between April 13 and 15.
Additionally, there will be measures in place, including at least 10 checkpoints for weapon inspections and traffic management, to ensure the safety and security of tourists. -819 (TNA)
10 April 10 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1348515 - Hong Kong Duo Arrested for Carrying Devices at Mall to Scam MoneyPolice arrested two Hong Kong men at a prominent shopping mall in Bangkok, finding them carrying devices to send short messages with fraudulent links to scam victims.
BANGKOK, April 10 (TNA) – Police arrested two Hong Kong men at a prominent shopping mall in Bangkok, finding them carrying devices to send short messages with fraudulent links to scam victims.
Tai Loi, 43 and Man Lok Lee, were apprehended by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers at Siam Paragon shopping mall, along with their belongings, including a portable False Base Station or “Stingray” and four mobile phones.
According to CIB commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Worawat Watnakhonbancha, officers acted upon AIS Monitor’s alert that criminals send messages to network users, urging them to redeem rewards or exchange points and tricking them into providing personal and credit card information. Victims who fell for the scam would click links leading to fraudulent websites, resulting in money being siphoned from their mobile banking accounts.
After receiving the information, investigators traced the suspects’ behavior, leading to their arrest at Siam Paragon. Upon search, they found a portable False Base Station from Malaysia.
Subsequently, the suspects’ hotel room in Bangkok’s Bang Rak area was searched, revealing an additional backup battery.
During interrogation, it was revealed that the suspects would carry the Stingray device to several locations, sending SMS scams to phones within a one-kilometer radius. They particularly targeted shoppers at various malls, including CentralWorld and Icon Siam, before being caught at Paragon.
The suspects said they traveled to Malaysia last month and met a man named Aken, who told them to pick up a backpack at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok by an unnamed Thai person and instructed them to carry the bag to shopping malls. They said they did not know what was inside the bag. -819 (TNA)
10 April 10 2024English Newshttps://tna.mcot.net/?p=1348333