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It’s raining! Thailand braces for successive bad weather
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Heavy rains are expected across Thailand, with 80 percent of the country expected to be affected by the bad weather. The Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) has warned of possible flash floods and sudden flooding, especially in mountainous and low-lying areas.
TMD predicts that rain will continue over the next 24 hours, with heavy rains in some areas. Areas in the north, northeast, central and east will be particularly affected as a strong monsoon passes through these areas and extends into a low pressure system over China’s Hainan Island.
Residents in these areas are advised to be aware of the risk of heavy rains. Accumulated rain may cause sudden flash floods and heavy rainfall especially in mountainous and low-lying areas near waterways.
The southwest monsoon has weakened in the Andaman Sea, Thailand and Gulf of Thailand but isolated heavy rainfall is still expected in southern areas.
Mariners in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are warned of moderate sea conditions with wave heights reaching about 2 metres and possibly exceeding 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. Waves of 1-2 metres are expected in the lower Andaman Sea and lower Gulf of Thailand with high waves in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners should exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. In the North, thunderstorms are expected in 80% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rains in some places such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Temperatures will vary from a minimum of 23-24°C to a maximum of 29-33°C, with wind speeds of 10-15 kilometers per hour (km/h).
In the Northeast, thunderstorms are expected in 80% of the area, with heavy to very heavy rains in certain places such as Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, and Khon Kaen. , Kalasin, Mukdahan, Mahasarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23-25 °C (minimum temperature) and 29-33 °C (maximum temperature), with wind speeds of 10-25 km/h.
In the central region, thunderstorms are expected in 80% of the region, including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon and Samut Songkhram. Temperatures will range from 24-26 °C (minimum), 30-34 °C (maximum), with southwesterly winds at 10-25 km/h.
In the eastern region, thunderstorms are expected over 80% of the region, with heavy to very heavy rains expected in certain places such as Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24-27 °C (minimum), 30-33 °C (maximum), with southwesterly winds at 20-35 km/h. Sea waves will be around 2 metres high, exceeding 2 metres in thunderstorm areas.
In the southern region (east coast), thunderstorms are expected over 60% of the region, especially in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Temperatures range from 24 to 26 °C (minimum) to 32 to 34 °C (maximum).
From Surat Thani and up, winds will be from the southwest at 20 to 35 km/h, with waves of about 2 meters and over 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. Downstream from Nakhon Si Thammarat, winds will be from the southwest at 15 to 35 km/h, with waves of 1 to 2 meters and over 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.
In the southern region (west coast), thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the area, with heavy rainfall in some areas such as Ranong and Pangga. Temperatures range from 24 to 26 °C (minimum) to 31 to 34 °C (maximum). Strong winds
Over Ranong, southwesterly winds will blow at 20-35 km/h, with waves around 2 metres high, and over 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms. South of Phang Nga, southwesterly winds will blow at 15-35 km/h, with waves 1-2 metres high, and over 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms are expected in 80% of the area in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with heavy rainfall in some places. Temperatures will range from 25-26 °C (min), 31-33 °C (max), with southwesterly winds at 10-25 km/h.
News
Anwar Ibrahim and Thaksin Shinawatra Engage with Brunei’s Sultan on Key Regional Issues
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Anwar Ibrahim’s Meeting with Brunei’s Sultan
Discussion Overview
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently held a significant meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, focusing on critical regional issues. The discussions took place at Istana Nurul Iman and included former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as part of the advisory team for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship.
Addressing the Myanmar Crisis
A major topic of conversation was the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Anwar emphasized the need for continued engagement with all relevant stakeholders while adhering to the Five-Point Consensus. He expressed concern over the escalating illicit economy in Myanmar, which is characterized by drug trafficking and human trafficking, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative solutions.
South China Sea Disputes
Call for Diplomatic Progress
The leaders also addressed the disputes in the South China Sea, agreeing on the necessity for enhanced multilateral diplomatic efforts. Anwar urged that negotiations for a Code of Conduct (CoC) should be expedited to ensure timely resolutions to ongoing tensions in this strategically vital region.
Enhancing Intra-ASEAN Trade
Another focal point of the discussions was the enhancement of intra-ASEAN trade. Anwar stressed the importance of creating a business-friendly regulatory framework aimed at stimulating economic growth and fostering collaboration among ASEAN member states. This strategic approach aims to promote capital inflow and robust regional development.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Importance of Blockchain Infrastructure
In addition to trade discussions, Anwar highlighted the significance of establishing a solid Blockchain infrastructure and improving digital accessibility. These elements are viewed as essential prerequisites for fostering healthy economic development across the ASEAN region, particularly in light of increasing digital transformation.
By engaging in these crucial discussions, Anwar Ibrahim, Thaksin Shinawatra, and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah are working towards a more unified and prosperous Southeast Asia, addressing pressing issues that affect regional stability and economic growth.
News
Songkhla’s Ambition: Becoming a Premier Global Cruise Destination
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Boosting Tourism in Songkhla
Government Support for Tourism
The Songkhla Tourism Association is actively advocating for government support to significantly enhance tourism within the province by developing a state-of-the-art cruise ship terminal and launching direct flights from various cities in China to Hat Yai. These enhancements are expected to draw a larger number of Chinese tourists, boosting the local economy and expanding Songkhla’s tourism sector.
Direct Flight Initiatives
Simplifying Travel for Tourists
One of the primary requests involves establishing direct flight routes, such as from Kunming to Hat Yai, to ease travel for Chinese visitors and increase tourist numbers in the province. Additionally, there’s a proposal to invest in nautical transport, emphasizing the construction of a cruise terminal in the Gulf of Thailand.
Cruise Terminal Benefits
Alleviating Congestion and Stimulating Tourism
The envisioned terminal aims to alleviate road congestion at the Thai-Malaysian border between the Sadao district and Bukit Kayu Hitam in Malaysia, while also stimulating tourism in Songkhla and nearby hotspots like Koh Samui, Krabi, and Phuket. Cruise ships heading to Koh Samui pass through the Gulf of Thailand in Songkhla, making a cruise terminal in Songkhla highly beneficial for its tourism sector, especially given the high spending habits of most cruise passengers.
Economic Growth and MSC Expansion
Enhancing Trade and Transportation
Songkhla has rapidly developed into a bustling trading and transportation hub for Southern Thailand. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) has expanded in Songkhla, demonstrating its commitment to serving the shipping needs of customers in Thailand. This expansion includes providing weekly feeder services with transshipment options to worldwide ports via Singapore and Tanjung Pelepas, benefiting sectors like rubber, frozen food, and general cargo.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Enhancing Economic Development
The Songkhla Lake Bridge project aims to reduce travel time around the lake by two hours, reducing traffic congestion on nearby highways. This project is also set to enhance tourism around Songkhla Lake, strengthen the local economy, and improve access to healthcare facilities and universities in Songkhla City.
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Thai PM Refutes Claims of Israeli Settlement in Pai District
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PM Dismisses Rumors of Israeli Settlement in Pai
Prime Minister’s Statement on False Claims
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has firmly rejected the circulating rumors suggesting that the Pai district in Mae Hong Son province is home to approximately 30,000 Israelis. During a press briefing, she stated, “Hold on a moment. We’ve already verified that this is not true.” This statement came in response to media inquiries about claims that Israelis were viewing Pai as a new “promised land.”
Upcoming Government Investigation
In light of these rumors, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to visit Pai next week. His visit aims to provide clarity on the situation and address public concerns regarding the alleged influx of Israeli nationals in the area.
Background of the Rumors
Social Media Speculation
The rumors gained traction following social media discussions linking the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to a supposed migration of Israelis seeking refuge in Pai. This narrative suggested the establishment of Israeli communities within the district, further fueling local anxieties.
Local Residents’ Concerns
Recent incidents involving Israeli tourists have heightened local tensions. On February 6, four Israeli men were reported to have caused disturbances at a local hospital, leading to their deportation. This event prompted residents to voice their concerns regarding foreign nationals and their impact on the community.
Official Clarifications from Authorities
Population Statistics
Mae Hong Son Tourist Police have clarified that Pai’s total population is around 38,000, debunking claims that 30,000 Israelis reside there. The figure cited actually reflects the cumulative number of tourist check-ins throughout the year, with an average of only 83-84 Israeli visitors daily.
Role of Local Religious Institutions
Additionally, local authorities addressed misconceptions regarding a Jewish synagogue in Pai. The facility serves purely religious purposes and hosts services on weekends without any association with disruptive gatherings or parties.
A Call for Calm
Prime Minister Shinawatra’s comments aim to quell fears and misinformation surrounding the presence of Israelis in Pai. With ongoing investigations and official visits planned, authorities are committed to ensuring transparency and addressing community concerns effectively.
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