(12 April) Petchaburi police and local authorities are hunting down those responsible for the killing of a pregnant elephant in Kang Kajarn district.

Unexpected overwhelming income “Pee Mark Phrakhanong”, a remake Thai film about the story of “Mae Nak Phrakanong Ghost Story” has raised over $10 million (300 million baht) after three weekend.

 In
this week, the team of this film production, including leading stars, Mario Maurer, Davika Horne and
Prakhanong Boy Band visited to Mae Nak Phra Khanong shrine, Mahabut Temple in Soi 77 Sukhumvit
Road, Bangkok to pay tribute to the Mae Nak ghost that her story has made them a
great success.

 Local folklore believes the story is based on actual events
that took place during the early 19th century. It is about a beautiful young woman named Nak, who
lived by Phra Khanong canal in Bangkok waiting for her husband, Mark who was sent to war. Later she
died in childbirth before her husband returns home. However, when Mark comes home,
he finds his loving wife and child waiting for him without knowing they are the
ghosts.

 Mario Maurer, a Thai-German superstar who played as Mark said he
was very excited when knowing that the movie reached ? 100 million and extremely surprised when it
raised over ?300 million.

 Also last weekend the team has met
Indonesian fans in Jakarta. Thai foundation and Thai Embassy in Jakarta arranged this trip with
a special showtime for Indonesian press and audience. The 1,000 tickets were suddenly sold out.

 “At first, I was afraid that linguistics would be a big obstacle for the
Indonesian audiences. Yet, we still work hard to translate Thai gag into the context of Indonesian
understanding. Now, we can see our achievement through the laugh of Indonesian fans.”  “Tong”
Bunjong Pisanyathanakul the director of the film said with smiling proudly.

 Dhavika Horne thanks to all audiences who made her a warm
welcome.

 This success would be a great support for Thai
movie to go for bigger market.

 also see The hottest
Ramake with the Hottest Actors : Nadech and Mario ==

(12 April) A Regional Defense volunteer is found dead in an apparent case of accidental discharge, Nakorn Ratchasrima police say.

Mr. Joompon Darndumrongchai, 47, suffered shotgun wounds in his left thigh and left wrist. A shotgun was found nearby. His body was sent to the provincial hospital for a closer inspection.

Ms. Jamrus, the victim’s wife, told police the volunteer was appointed to escort the local district chief during his visits to Songkran ceremonies in the province. As he prepared to leave his home, he grabbed his shotgun from the table and dropped it in a hurry, she said.

She added that she was doing laundry when she heard the gunshot. She tried to give her blood-soaked husband CPR but it was too late.

Police said Mr.Joompon apparently accidentally discharged the gun and the bullet lethally cuthis veins. The firearm was legally bought.

Regional Defense volunteers served as personalarmed bodyguards, drivers, and assistants for provincial officials in up country Thailand.

(12 April) Our correspondent reports that Highway 304, a major road connecting Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasrima province and other Northeastern provinces, is clogged with travelers headed home for Songkran festival.

The traffic stretched for 10 km, keeping local traffic officials busy throughout the day, while the police opened an extra lane to ease the congestion. The particularly severe congestionsare reported to occur around the 26-29 km mark, near Khao Yai National Park,and 42-55 km mark, the mountainous ascending slope of the highway. 

(11 April) Mr. Arnat Arpapirom, adviser to the exectutive boardof Bangkok Transit System (BTS), commented on the photos which showed flooded floors of Skytrains and were circulated widely on social network sites,sparking criticism of the System’s management. Mr. Arnat acknowledged there had been such problem on a train in Sukhumvit line on afternoon of 11 April.

He said the storm and heavy rain in Bangkok during that time spilled into the trains when they stopped and opened the gates at each station.

“The problem was not serious and did not affect the train’s operations. There was no electronic hazard as some people had worried. The pictured train managed to arrive safely at the destination where the staff cleaned the floor, and brought it back to service shortly afterwards” Mr Arnat said.

(12 April) A fire burned down 3 teak houses which served as residences for monks in Nang Boon Temple, Pathum Thani, and damaged an adjacent building.

Police received the call informing them of the fire at 03.30 am, and the fire continued for an hour before the rescue teams managed to extinguish it.