Songkran Road Death Toll/1,472 Drink-Driving Cases Reported in First Three Days of Songkran/Songkran insanity/Collapsed building death toll rises/Changed elevator shaft design/Earthquake in Krabi/Resort Illegally Built in Kaeng Krachan/Free denture fitting for elderly/ECONOMY: Thailand in ‘technical recession’/Thailand finalizes US trade strategy/Caution in tariff talks/Lower Thai inflation/Senate panel to study casino-entertainment complex/Neta Auto investing in Thailand/TOURISM: Festival draws over 558,000/Bt10 billon from foreign film shoots/THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Top 5 provinces for Songkran/Culinary Journey Through Songkran/CLIMATE THAILAND: Beach plankton bloom spreads/INTERNATIONAL/LINKS: Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers
Songkran Road Death Toll Reaches 100 After Three Days
Authorities have reported a 100 fatalities and 752 injuries from 756 road crashes in the first three days of the Songkran holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
The leading causes of the accidents were speeding (44.3%), drink-driving (29%), and abrupt lane changes (17.9%). Motorcycles were involved in 85.9% of the reported incidents, with straight road sections accounting for the majority of crashes (81.4%). Most accidents occurred between 6 pm and 9 pm. Continued …
1,472 Drink-Driving Cases Reported in First Three Days of Songkran
The Department of Probation has revealed that within the first three days of the Songkran holiday period this year, there have been 1,579 traffic-related cases dealt with, under court-ordered probation orders, with 1,472 involving drink-driving offenses. Chiang Mai ranks highest in the country with 136 cases, followed by Samut Prakan (123 cases) and Bangkok (118 cases).
Police Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakomol, director-general of the Department of Probation, emphasized the department’s strict monitoring measures being used. These include the use of electronic monitoring (EM) bracelets ordered by the courts, and collaboration with local police stations to track driver behavior through CCTV footage. Continued …
Pickup Truck Ploughs Through Songkran Revellers, Injuring Nearly 20, Driver Beaten by Mob
An incident marred Songkran celebrations in Chachoengsao province yesterday when a pickup truck driver rammed through a large crowd of water festival revellers, injuring nearly 20 people, six of them seriously. The chaotic aftermath saw an enraged crowd of over a hundred people drag the driver from the vehicle and beat him severely before police arrived.
The driver’s motives remain unclear, but according to onlookers, he appeared to deliberately speed into the crowd. As panic turned to fury, the crowd smashed the truck’s windows and attacked the man inside. Video footage shows several people trying to restrain others from inflicting further harm while waiting for the police. Continued …
- Myanmar worker fatally stabbed during Songkran festival – Continued …
- Teen arrested for brandishing modified BB gun at Korat festival – Continued …
- Man attacks woman, damages cars during Songkran in Nakhon Ratchasima – Continued …
- Buriram man wanted for fatal Songkran shooting over drugs – Continued …
- Fatal stabbing cancels Charming Maha Songkran event in Trang – Continued …
- Drunken Driver Tries to Run Over Songkran Children in Udon Thani – Continued …
- Woman Shoots Man Trying to Stop Assault During Songkran in Chiang Rai – Continued …
- Man Drowns After Songkran Celebration in Saraburi – Continued …
- Chinese youths rounded up for blasting high-pressure water at Songkran revellers – Continued …
Two more bodies found under collapsed building, death toll rises to 43
Two more bodies were discovered in Zone C of the collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district yesterday, bringing the confirmed death toll to 43, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) reported.
The under-construction State Audit Office (SAO) building on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road collapsed on March 28 due to the impact of an 8.2-magnitude earthquake near Mandalay, Myanmar, trapping over a hundred workers inside. Continued …
Changed elevator shaft design may be behind SAO building collapse
The government-appointed investigating committee currently thinks that a change in the design of the elevator shaft of the State Audit Office building, reducing its wall thickness from 30cm to 25cm, may be the reason why the building collapsed when it was hit by tremors from an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, according to Prof. Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Association of Structural Engineers.
He said the investigation will examine the details of the elevator shaft, including its design, how and by whom the design was changed, and the quality of the concrete and rebar used in its construction. Continued …
Another earthquake, this time in Krabi
A 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck Khlong Khamao subdistrict of Krabi province yesterday, about 791 kilometers from Bangkok. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), in collaboration with the Earthquake Research Center of Thailand, provided a summary of the earthquake that occurred at 2:27 pm.
The 3.5-magnitude quake struck Khlong Khamao subdistrict of Krabi province, near the Khlong Marui Fault Line, about 791 kilometers from Bangkok. The tremor could be felt in some of the nearby areas. Continued …
Resort Found Illegally Built on Protected Land in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Authorities have launched legal proceedings after uncovering a large-scale illegal development involving a hotel and several resort-style buildings on state land and within the boundaries of Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi.
The development consists of a hotel, office buildings, swimming pool, rowhouses, and several villas. Some structures were already operational, while others were still under construction. Continued …
Public Health announces free denture fitting for 45,000 elderly
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry is offering free denture fitting for 45,000 elderly Thais to help restore smiles, improve confidence, and enhance quality of life. The announcement coincided with National Elderly Day, observed on Sunday.
The ministry stated that the program aims to bring smiles back to underprivileged elderly Thais, helping them speak with confidence and enjoy food once more. Elderly individuals can register for the free denture fitting service at public hospitals or clinics near their homes. – jiji.com
Thailand may now be in ‘technical recession’
Thailand’s economy may have slipped into a technical recession, with gross domestic product (GDP) estimated to have contracted in two consecutive quarters, according to Pongnakorn Pochakorn, a macroeconomics expert at the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO).
A new official revision of the FPO’s previous economic projection was expected to be released on April 28, he said. Thailand will see compounded effects from both the 36% U.S. tariff imposed on its goods, as well as the economic impact of Myanmar’s earthquake on March 28, Pongnakorn said. Continued …
Thailand finalizes US trade strategy ahead of talks next week
Thailand aims to hold talks with Trump administration officials next week to secure relief from a planned 36% reciprocal tariff on its goods, with officials finalizing a set of proposals, including to cut its US$46 billion trade surplus with the United States.
A delegation headed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira is preparing to meet with U.S. trade officials in Washington on April 21, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said yesterday. Pichai will also travel to Seattle later this week to meet with American businessmen from the agricultural, industrial, and investment sectors, he said. Continued …
Experts urge caution in tariff talks
The government should proceed cautiously rather than rushing into retaliation against the United States’ reciprocal tariff measures, experts say. Thailand, which has been hit with a 36% reciprocal tariff, is among several countries now lining up to negotiate with the U.S. for a possible reduction in the rate.
The government says Washington has responded to Bangkok’s request for negotiations, but no specific position in the negotiation queue has been provided yet. Continued …
Lower Thai inflation reflects energy and policy measures: ministry
Thailand’s lower-than-expected March inflation rate was mainly due to lower energy prices and government policies to alleviate cost of living pressures, the commerce ministry said yesterday, and did not reflect a slowdown in economic activity. It added that slower global growth could weigh on prices.
A global economic slowdown brought on by U.S. tariffs would impact prices, Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, head of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office said, noting that foreign exporters impacted by the tariffs may also ship cheaper goods to Thailand. Continued …
Thai Senate panel to study casino-entertainment complex bill
A special Senate committee tasked with studying the casino-entertainment complex bill is scheduled to hold its first meeting on April 23, according to a source. A 35-member panel was formed following a proposal by Sen. Sorachat Wichaya Suwanphrom.
According to the source, the upcoming meeting will focus on appointing key positions, outlining the study’s framework and selecting a replacement a departing member. The study is expected to take 180 days to complete. Continued …
Neta Auto keen on ramping up investment in Thailand
Undeterred by Washington’s new auto tariff policy, Neta Auto Thailand, the Thai subsidiary of Neta Auto, a Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) maker, is planning to increase its investment in Thailand to support a plan to make Thailand an export hub in Southeast Asia.
The company is not concerned about the impact of U..S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs because its target markets are in Southeast Asia. Neta Auto will continue to expand its business in Thailand, having collaborated with Bangchan General Assembly Co. to commence the assembly of BEVs at a factory in the Bangchan Industrial Estate in Bangkok. Continued …
Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 draws over 558,000 visitors
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced the success of the “Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025,” held at Sanam Luang in Bangkok from April 11 to 15. Over the first three days of the event (April 11-13), more than 558,015 people attended, generating a total economic impact of 1.702 billion baht.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, governor of TAT, stated that the festival, held along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and at Sanam Luang in Phra Nakhon district, received overwhelming interest from both Thai and international tourists. The total attendance during the first three days consisted of 523,456 Thais and 34,559 foreigners. Continued …
Tourism Department seeks Bt10 billon from foreign film shoots
The Tourism Department has upgraded the target for foreign film production revenue this year to 10 billion from 7.5 billion, banking on the revised stimulus offering a 30% cash rebate incentive to lure large productions.
Jaturon Phakdeewanit, director-general of the department, said the permanent tourism secretary urged the department to raise its foreign film revenue target after attracting a significant amount of productions last year. Continued …
Top 5 provinces for Songkran travel revealed
Southeast Asia travel platform Traveloka has revealed the five most popular Thai provinces for the 2025 Songkran festival, with overall tourism revenue nationwide expected to reach 26.5 billion baht.
The platform highlighted a growing trend among Thai travelers who are now embracing the “Travel Anywhere, No Low Season” concept, making the most of Thailand’s year-round destinations. Continued …
A Culinary Journey Through Songkran
While wandering the ancient streets of Bangkok, I found myself enveloped in the unexpected chaos of the Songkran festival. One moment, I marveled at the stunning temples; the next, I was caught in a water fight, soaked by a cheeky child wielding a water gun.
Seizing a break from the watery commotion, I delved into the culinary traditions of Songkran, experiencing an array of Thai flavors. Amidst the market’s hustle, the scent of spices and grilled delicacies invited me. Continued …
Tourists avoid swimming at Thai beach as plankton bloom spreads
Tourists were disgusted to see a beach covered in a dark green plankton bloom in Thailand. Aerial footage shows holidaymakers standing by the shore, looking bewildered as the thick, murky water laps at the sand at Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi.
of the swimmers took a dip in the discolored water, but others chose to stay away. More visitors left the area as they were afraid to touch the ocean in case it could be bad for their health. Tourist Suphakorn Siritasanakul, said, ‘I brought my family from Pathum Thani to visit the beach but when they saw the green color they didn’t want to go near it.” Continued and video …
China’s Xi Says There Are ‘No Winners’ in a Tariff War
China’s leader Xi Jinping started a week of diplomacy in Southeast Asia with a visit to Vietnam yesterday, signaling China’s commitment to global trade, just after U.S. President Donald Trump upended the global economy with his latest tariffs moves. Although Trump has paused some tariffs, China was the outlier, as he has kept in place 145% tariffs on the world’s second-largest economy. Continued …
58,000 Elderly people died alone at home in Japan in 2024
Japan’s National Police Agencysays that 58,044 elderly people living alone died at home in Japan in 2024, disclosing such a figure on an annual basis for the first time. The agency surveyed the issue of loneliness and isolation as part of the government’s fact-finding efforts. The government will use the results to consider measures to resolve the problem. Continued …
Bus service between Hua Hin, Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok
The first-class bus service between Don Mueang Airport and Hua Hin offers two round trips daily. The fare is 200 baht each way and takes three-and-a-half hours. The Hua Hin departure is from the current Transport Co. terminal just north of Hua Hin Airport.
- The bus will leave Hua Hin at 7 am and 2 pm
- It will depart from Don Mueang at 7:30 am and 4 pm
- Online Booking and Customer Service: Facebook Page: BorKorSor; LINE ID: @TCL99; Website: TCL99 Transport.
Hua Hin-Chiang Mai flight schedule from Oct 27
Thai Airasia has updated its flight schedule between Hua Hin and Chiang Mai (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday):
Hua Hin to Chiang Mai: Departure 5:15pm, Arrival at 6:30pm
Chiang Mai to Hua Hin: Departure 3:25pm, arrival at 4:45pm
Hua Hin train schedule
Van/minibus service at Market Village
Vans and minibuses provide services to the following destinations:
- Hua Hin – Mo Chit (089-919-8055) starts service at 03:50
- Hua Hin – Kanchanaburi (085-822-6063)
- Hua Hin – New southern line service starts at 5:40
- Hua Hin – Rangsit (090-138-0427) service starts at 05:40
- Hua Hin – Nakhon Pathom (088-709-2364)
The last service departs at 6pm. Departures every 25 – 40 minutes. For inquiries or reservations, call 089-9198055,090-1380427.
Emergency hotline numbers:
- Emergency hotline – 191
- Emergency medical services – 1554
- Water accident – 1196
- Motorway hotline – 1586
- Emergency medical – 1669
- Highway police – 1193
- Tourist police – 1155
- Bus ticket – 1490
- Department of Highways – 1586
- State Railway – 1590