VERY LATEST NEWS FROM THAILAND in English (15 September 2023) from Fabulous 103fm Pattaya
– Heavy storms flood Pattaya
As storms blighted much of Thailand again last night, so the Pattaya region was caught on the hop, with most here used to the rain clouds bypassing the region. This time, though, the region too saw heavy rains and in many areas, temporary flooding. To the east, those roads running down to the railway road were heavily under water, seeing garbage then washed down onto the main roads and drains, in many cases, blocked. For the city.. knee deep in places but waters DID clear away quickly once the rains had stopped.
Photo credit: ข่าวพัทยา Pattayanews
– Politician and 5 others suspected of indecent activities with youngster
Following a report to senior authorities, by a father, that his Burmese wife had been pimping out his 15 yr old daughter, arrest warrants were yesterday being applied for, for at least 6 males in the Lopburi area. The five include a local politician and a school director, and 2 have already been questioned by police in the matter. The mother, an illegal immigrant, has confessed to police, the daughter was taken into care and identified those involved. It appears the parents were no longer in a relationship and the child had reached out to her father, along with a teacher.
– Gun amnesty in Thailand
In a similar way to amnesties, successfully, given in the past in Europe and the UK, Thailand SOON will have a 30 day amnesty that will allow gun owners, without permits, to hand in weapons to the authorities without fear of prosecution. Normally this will involve a visit to a police station and the passing over of both weapons and any ammunition and, unless those guns have been used in a crime, the illegal owners are free to go. This then has been set up as an armistice period ahead of a planned crackdown on illegal ownership which, we are told, will see people then prosecuted heavily. Interior minister Anutin has been tasked with the setup and details are expected soon.
– Thailand under threat of El Nino drought
The new government has instigated the forming of a committee to handle the expected effects of EL Nino, a weather phenomenon expected to cause drought here in the next dry season. Of most serious concern is potential loss of agricultural output which could send prices soaring and see a lack of product in domestic markets. Second to that is the possibility of a water shortage, as seen here in the past, that could see tap water supply rationed. Thailand could see the roll on effects lasting up to 3 years and this a plan HAS to be implemented now as opposing to sitting on hands and waiting to see. The plan is to establish a national networking between local powers that be, right down to the small village headsmen, this then enabling a fast flow of information both ways, the dispersal of any funds or supplies needed and the speedy approval of water retention plans.
– Visa free travel ‘may not’ see an increase in tourists
Experts are now claiming that the visa free travel program for Chinese, thru to the end of the next high season may NOT result in a huge increase in visitors to Thailand. With other countries already offering easy access, and the fact that most book well ahead for their trips, the biggest issue appears to be the crashing economy WITHIN china which has seen Chinese, on the whole, apprehensive about luxury spending. However the program DOES offer significant benefit for those who DO want to travel and is expected to be seen by tour operators within china as a bonus when selling trips.
– Music on the beach in Pattaya this weekend
Meanwhile at home, and Friday along with Saturday will see the frontage road partially closed for half its length as a festival of bands takes place. Marching bands, along with mini orchestras are expected to play from mid afternoon thru to early evening and there will be plenty of things to do for both children and adults along the way.
– Check your shoes for these hidden surprises!
It’s time to check your shoes if you live in this region. With the tradition in Thailand being to leave them outside homes, its not just us who have been complacent about rainstorms, nature too is on the move. From snakes to frogs, and of course insects living below ground, all will be looking for new homes after the first big storm of recent weeks. Thais already know, but visitors often forget to check your shoes for occupants. And to keep windows and doors shut if they don’t have screens. Snakes, in the past, have often become unwelcome visitors in every room, from showers to under the covers.. more often in rural east side areas but often too in the city.
For more of the latest local & national video news updates, subscribe to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqv5O_uGcm-BdVXfgrZyWg
For more news: https://alwayspattaya.com/news/
Listen to the radio online from our homepage!: http://www.alwayspattaya.com
