Thailand’s Hot Weather Drives Up Air Conditioner Sales

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11 March 2024, 02:35

air conditioners — The air conditioner Thailand's market in 2024 is expected to be worth 34,327 million baht.

BANGKOK – Thailand is experiencing hotter weather than last year, with the Meteorological Department predicting that the average maximum temperature could reach 45 degrees Celsius. This has led to a surge in demand for air conditioners.

Mr. Amnaj Singhanchan, Marketing Manager of LG Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said that the air conditioner market in 2024 is expected to be worth 34,327 million baht, a 20 percent growth from 2023, which was worth 28,606 million baht. This is the second consecutive year of growth after the market contracted for three consecutive years (2020-2022) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

LG estimates that energy-efficient air conditioners will be in high demand, especially after the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) promoted the use of new No. 5 energy-saving label products. This has made consumers more aware of the difference in electricity costs between old air conditioners and new models. This has stimulated the purchase of replacements for old units, as well as the purchase of first-time air conditioners or additional units.

Many retailers expect demand to be higher this year due to the hot and prolonged weather. This could lead to sales continuing into June, which is about a month longer than the usual end of May.

hot weather — Students cross the footbridge in front of Chatuchak Park in Bangkok, Thailand, under intense sunshine on March 9, 2024. Thailand Meteorological Department predicted that the average maximum temperature in 2024 could reach 45 degrees Celsius.(Photo by Yokin Charoenying, Khaosod)

Mr. Warut Lekajirakul, Assistant General Manager of Marketing at Siam Daikin Sales Co., Ltd., said that the low-priced air conditioner segment, such as 12,000 BTU inverter air conditioners priced below 16,000 baht, which accounts for 45 percent of the total market, will be another segment with high demand and high competition.

Part of the reason is that new Chinese air conditioner brands have set up factories in Thailand and are selling their products at low prices through e-commerce platforms. This coincides with the economic downturn and weak purchasing power, which has caused both mass and middle class consumers to be more cautious in their spending. As a result, they are turning to cheap air conditioners.

A survey by Prachachat Business revealed that there are currently a large number of Chinese air conditioner brands in the market, such as Gree, Haier, Candy, Midea, Hisense, etc. They have begun to invest heavily in marketing to increase awareness and are gradually carrying out promotional activities to promote sales.

Previously, they were not very active in marketing. For example, Gree advertises the GREE Luxuri series on the MRT electric train and Midea has hired the famous boxer “Buakaw Banchamek” as a presenter.

buakaw medea — Midea has hired the famous boxer “Buakaw Banchamek” as a presenter.

Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, said that on March 7, 2024, the highest electricity consumption (peak) of the year was recorded at 32,704 megawatts at 7:47 p.m. due to the earlier start of the summer season. The amount of electricity consumption is expected to continue to increase during the summer season. This year’s peak is considered to be quite early compared to last year, which was on 6 May 2023 at 9:41 p.m. at 34,826 megawatts.

“I have instructed the relevant authorities, particularly EGAT, to review and maintain the power generation system so that it can meet the needs of all sectors, both domestic and industrial, and avoid blackouts. It is important that people and businesses are not affected,” he said.

Rupert Murdoch, 92, Plans to Marry for 5th Time

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Associated Press

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11 March 2024, 01:36

Media magnate Rupert Murdoch, who turns 93 next week, has been married four times — and is engaged again, his representative said Saturday.

He plans to marry Elena Zhukova, 67, a Russian-born retired scientist he met last year.

Her ex-husband Alexander Zhukov is a billionaire energy investor and Russian politician. Their daughter Dasha was previously married to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, who used to own the Premier League football club Chelsea.

Last fall Murdoch stepped down as leader of both Fox News’ parent company and his News Corp. media holdings — and his son, Lachlan, took his place in a media empire that spans continents and helped to shape modern American politics.

In 1952, Murdoch inherited a newspaper in his native Australia from his father. Over decades, he built a news and entertainment enterprise that became dominant in the United States and Britain, including ownership of such historic newspapers as The Times of London and The Wall Street Journal.

Fox News Channel, the 24-hour network founded in 1996, has profoundly influenced television, becoming a trusted news source among many conservative U.S. audiences and politicians.

It has also had very public struggles. Last year, it paid $787 million to settle a defamation lawsuit related to its coverage of false claims about the 2020 presidential election results.

A few months earlier, Fox had ousted prime-time host Tucker Carlson, the network’s most popular TV personality, whose political theories and fiery commentaries made him an influential force in GOP politics.

In addition to Fox News, Rupert Murdoch started the Fox broadcast network, the first to successfully challenge the Big Three of ABC, CBS and NBC, with shows like “The Simpsons.” He has also controlled the New York Post, another popular conservative outlet.

Murdoch has been married four times and shares six children with three of his wives. Murdoch’s family were said to be the model for the HBO drama “ Succession.” The family’s wealth is estimated by Forbes to be about $19 billion.

Murdoch’s latest marriage, to model and actor Jerry Hall, ended in divorce after six years in 2022. They had no children together.

Previously, he was married to Patricia Booker, an Australian, with whom he had Prudence, and then to Scottish-born journalist Anna Torv, with whom he had Lachlan, James and Elisabeth. These four Murdoch children have the same stake in the family trust and an equal say in what happens to the trust’s voting stock upon Murdoch’s death. He later married Chinese-born Wendi Deng, whom he divorced in 2013 after having two daughters, Grace and Chloe.

Last spring he was engaged to Ann Lesley Smith for about two weeks.

Pattaya Locals Are Shocked To See a Russian Body in the Grove

By

Khaosod English

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11 March 2024, 00:20

PATTAYA – On Sunday, March 10, officials at Pattaya City Police Station were alerted that a foreigner’s body had been found in a grove beside the road in Soi Thepprasit 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

They went to investigate alongside tourist police and rescue workers in a big wild area of over 20 rai. They had to walk around 20-30 metres into the grove to discover the body of a foreigner hanging. A mobile phone was kept in the jeans pocket, and a water bottle was nearby. However, no identifying documents were located.

Later, the police conducted an investigation and identified the deceased as Mr. Mikhail, 34 years old and of Russian nationality. He arrived in Thailand on January 20, 2024, and can stay until April 18. They sent the body for an autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police Hospital in Bangkok.

russian hang2 — The body of a Russian man was found strangled against a tree in the forest on the roadside of Soi Thepprasit 9, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province.

Mr. Chusak Saetiao, 46, the villager who alerted the police, stated that about 8 a.m., there was a motorbike taxi driver running with a shocked expression to inform him that he had discovered the dead corpse of a foreigner. So he went to investigate, found out it was real, and was horrified.

Then he contacted the authorities. He had never seen this foreign man before, although foreigners walk through this lane every day. The majority are Russians. On Saturday night, around 9-10 p.m., we heard dogs barking, but he did not come out for a look.

Police then examined CCTV cameras near the scene of the incident and discovered footage of this individual walking into the grove at approximately 3:38 a.m. The Russian man turned on his mobile phone’s torch and glanced into the grove, holding a water bottle in his left hand, walking into the forest before returning. He walked into the grove again at 3:39 a.m. and never returned.

Officials will work with tourism and immigration police to determine the cause of death and will notify the Russian Embassy further.

russian hang3 — CCTV cameras near the scene of the incident showed the Russian man walking into the grove at approximately 3:38 a.m. on March 10, 2024.

Korat’s Highway Car Fire Frightens a Swiss Man and Thai Wife

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Khaosod English

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10 March 2024, 15:10

NAKHON RATCHASIMA – A car fire broke out on the highway as a 70-year-old Swiss man drove his Thai wife to a relative’s wedding in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Nakhon Ratchasima Highway District 2 officials were notified of the incident shortly before noon on March 10 on Highway No. 6, or M6 Bang Pa-in-Nakhon Ratchasima, near kilometre marker 133. They rushed to investigate and requested assistance from fire engines, volunteers, highway enforcement, and local government agencies.

A fire broke out in a red Ford car, a Fietta type with a Bangkok licence plate, in the blazing hot sun. It took officials around 5 minutes to spray water and put the fire under control. The federal property was undamaged.

Mr. Michael, 70, and his Thai wife, Mrs. Phonphan, 56, were unhurt but shocked. The Swiss man stated that he was transporting his wife to a relative’s wedding in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. He observed the gauge metre was at its highest temperature, and there was smoke in the car’s bonnet. So he slowed down, parked on the side of the street, and took the lugguges out. In less than a minute, the fire spread swiftly.

The officer investigated and discovered that this car was not modified to install gas. As a result, it was originally presumed that the problem was due to a malfunctioning cooling system.

Monkey Attack: Lopburi Woman Sues, Calls for Declassification

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Khaosod English

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10 March 2024, 11:48

LOPBURI – The monkey problem in Lopburi province has flared up again, with a woman filing a police report after being attacked and injured by a monkey.

Ms. Arikanta Kanchanasimetha, 36, from Tambon Thanon Yai, Mueang district, Lopburi, reported to Pol. Maj. Pipak Muangchang, an investigator from Tha Hin Police Station, said that she was injured by a monkey on her hip and knee at around 7:30pm on March 6, 2024 when she was walking past Phairoj Sports Shop in Tambon Tha Hin. She filed the report to claim medical expenses under the Protection Act.

In this incident, Mr. Prachaya Pepatrang, Deputy Governor of Lopburi, represented the governor in visiting the injured woman at Phra Narai Maharat Hospital. He presented 2,000 baht and discussed with the hospital director about providing special care for the victim.

However, the province has no power to interfere with the woman’s complaint, as monkeys are protected animals. The “owner of the monkeys” is the National Park Authority. The provincial administration has promised that the municipality will take care of the lighting in the area, as Ms. Arikanta said it was very dark and she did not see the monkey.

The deputy governor of Lopburi said that after the National Park Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with Lopburi Municipality at the end of 2023 to relocate the monkeys to a well-maintained cage, Lopburi Municipality is currently improving the cage to make it more stable and stronger.

This will take time and money. It is expected that if successful, the number of monkeys can be greatly reduced. However, there will still be monkeys as a symbol of the province.

monkey attack3 — A sign prohibits feeding monkeys in the Lopburi city area. Violators are subject to a fine of 2,000 baht.

The deputy governor said the hot weather and lack of food sources could be factors that make the monkeys irritable and aggressive. They can bite each other, fight, destroy property, snatch things and attack tourists.

Mr. Chamroen Salachip, Mayor of Lopburi Municipality, who also visited Ms. Arikanta, said that in his opinion the memorandum of understanding with the National Park Authority was just an illusion as monkeys were still protected animals. He had told Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, during his earlier visit to Lopburi how to solve the problem.

“The solution is not difficult. It is to remove the monkey from the list of protected animals. Once the monkey is removed from the list, the area where the monkeys live should be handed over to the municipality for maintenance. The municipality should set up a budget for the care of the monkeys and manage them themselves. If a monkey bites or injures someone in their area, that area should be responsible,” Chamroen said.

monkey MOU — The signing ceremony between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation and Lopburi Municipality for a collaboration in management to address the monkey problems in the old city area took place on February 7, 2024.

Mr. Phadej Laithong, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Office, National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, said that the injured woman can sue the National Park Department. However, according to the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2019, although the crab-eating macaques are protected animals, the law only allows compensation for victims of elephants and gaurs.

In the past, there have been no lawsuits for damages caused by monkeys attacking people. However, in the future, there will be discussions on whether to add another animal, namely monkeys, to the list so that people can be compensated.

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Tarako, Voice of Popular Anime Girl Maruko Chan, Dies At 63

By

Kyodo News

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10 March 2024, 01:18

maruko1 — Maruko, the main character of the long-running anime series "Chibi Maruko-chan," whose voice was played by Tarako. (Photo courtesy of Fuji Television Network Inc.)(Copyright Sakura Production Co./Nippon Animation Co. via Kyodo)

TOKYO – Tarako, who lent her husky voice to the main character of the long-running Japanese anime series “Chibi Maruko-chan,” has died, her agency said Saturday. She was 63.

Tarako, whose real name was not made public, died Monday of undisclosed causes. She had been battling illness since the start of the year while continuing to work, the agency and Fuji Television Network Inc. said, adding it will air her last episode on March 24.

She played the role of Maruko for 34 years after being selected in an audition by the late Momoko Sakura, the creator of the manga on which the TV series was based. The series began airing in 1990.

The semi-autobiographical TV show starring a 9-year-old girl recorded a 39.9 percent audience share in October that year in Japan, one of the highest figures for an anime series.

The slice-of-life comedy depicts Momoko Sakura, nicknamed Maruko, her family and friends in the mid-1970s in what is now the city of Shizuoka in central Japan.

The anime series, whose creator died of breast cancer in August 2018 at age 53, is also popular among young people in other Asian countries, including China, where it is known as “Ying Tao Xiao Wan Zi.”

Before her signature work as Maruko, Tarako voiced characters in anime series such as “Mezon Ikkoku” and “Urusei Yatsura” in the 1980s. The Gunma Prefecture native was also a singer-songwriter, actor and narrator for TV programs.

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Ubonratana Dam Solar Plant Starts Commercial Electricity Supply

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Khaosod English

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9 March 2024, 13:01

BANGKOK – Ms. Jiraporn Sirikham, Deputy Director-General of Business Development, Acting Managing Director of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), revealed this week that they have successfully initiated the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the hydro-floating solar hybrid power plant, with a capacity of 24 megawatts, at the Ubonratana Dam in Khon Kaen province.

The main advantage of the floating solar hybrid power plant lies in the integration of three clean energy sources: Solar energy, hydropower and battery energy storage system (BESS).

This enables continuous power generation by utilizing solar energy during the day and hydropower from the existing dam during the night, together with the installation of a BESS to improve system stability during the transition between the two energy sources.

Additionally, an Energy Management System (EMS) and a Weather Forecast System are implemented to control and manage the power generation system, further increasing its reliability.

This hydro-floating solar hybrid power plant is the second of its kind under EGAT’s development plan for Thailand’s power generation capacity from 2018 (PDP2018 Revision 1), with a total of 16 projects across 9 dam sites, producing a combined capacity of 2,725 megawatts. This contributes significantly to Thailand’s clean energy goals and carbon neutrality targets.

Ms. Jiraporn emphasized EGAT’s commitment to improving the quality of life of the local fishing communities around the Ubonratana Dam. Initiatives such as the fish conservation’ project include the annual release of millions of fish and other aquatic species into the reservoir, the promotion of fisheries-related activities and the development of a fish processing industry.

There are also plans to establish solar-powered shrimp farms to create sustainable livelihoods and strengthen community self-reliance.

Ubon Rattana Dam, formerly known as the “phong neeb dam,” is a multi-purpose dam in Khok Sung sub-district, Ubonratana district, approximately 50 km (31 mi) north of Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen province, thailand. it was the first hydroelectric power project developed in Thailand’s northeastern region. the dam impounds the nam phong, which flows into the chi river and thence to the mun river, a tributary of the mekong river.

How Has Koh Kood Become A Thai-Cambodia Political Issue?

By

Khaosod English

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9 March 2024, 03:25

BANGKOK – The Thai government has come under political attack, claiming that Koh Kood is in danger of being claimed by Cambodia.

These attacks came after Hun Sen, the former prime minister of Cambodia, visited a close friend, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, at his residence in Bangkok on February 21, 2024.

Hun Sen, who is now president of the Cambodian Council of Ministers, then invited Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter and leader of the Pheu Thai Party, to visit Cambodia on March 19-20. This visit gave rise to rumors and speculation that Koh Kood could serve as a bargaining chip in future negotiations over the disputed sea area between Thailand and Cambodia.

koh kood3 — Koh Kood is a beautiful tourism attraction.

The 26,000 square kilometer maritime dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has remained stagnant since the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2001, agreeing to “negotiate the maritime border while jointly developing petroleum resources.”

It is believed that the disputed area in the Gulf of Thailand may contain 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, worth 3.5 trillion baht, and 500 million barrels of oil, worth 1.5 trillion baht. Both countries could benefit from sharing these resources.

However, political instability in Thailand, including military coups, has prevented progress in the negotiations.

With Paetongtarn’s rise to the leadership of the Pheu Thai Party, some believe that she can help revive the agreement that was initiated by her father.

AP23218211047954 — Hun Sen walks together with Thaksin Shinawatra during a meeting at Hun Sen’s residents in Takhmua, Kandal province, Cambodia, Suaturday, Aug. 5, 2023. (Cambodia’s Prime Minister Telegram via AP)

However, this move is likely to face opposition from nationalist groups in both countries, especially in Thailand. The issue of Koh Kood has already been used to spread rumors that Thailand may cede part of the island to Cambodia in exchange for personal gain for the two families involved. However, Sutin Khlangsaeng, the Thai Minister of Defense, has dismissed this claim as impossible.

Somkiat Samatkarn, the president of the Natural Resources Conservation and Protection Association of Trat Province and advisor to the provincial governor, confirmed that Koh Kood belongs entirely to Thailand according to the 1907 Franco-Siamese treaty. At that time, Cambodia was a colony of France and did not dispute Thailand’s sovereignty over the island.

kohkood2 — The number of tourists visiting the island has increased since the beginning of 2024.

The treaty states that the land border that extends into the sea towards Koh Kood is only meant to indicate the endpoint of the land border between the two countries at the sea, and does not constitute an overlapping maritime border.

Koh Kood is currently a popular tourist destination. Praiwan Sroisang, the District Chief of Koh Kood, said that the number of tourists visiting the island has increased since the beginning of 2024, especially during major holidays. All hotel rooms are already booked for the upcoming Songkran festival. Tourists who plan to visit the island are advised to check with the operators for available rooms.

Akira Toriyama, Creator of “Dragon Ball” Manga Series, Dies at 68

By

Kyodo News

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9 March 2024, 01:49

dragonball1 — Japanese animation series "Dragon Ball." (Photo courtesy of Toei Animation Co. Copyright Bird Studio/Shueisha Inc./Toei Animation Co. via Kyodo)

TOKYO – Akira Toriyama, a monumental figure in the Japanese manga and anime world best known for creating the “Dragon Ball” series, died of an acute subdural hematoma on March 1, the manga series’ publishing firm said Friday. He was 68.

Toriyama mesmerized the world with his “Dragon Ball” series that not only boosted the popularity of Japanese manga and anime internationally but also introduced a host of unique and adorable manga and game characters born from his imagination.

Initially gaining popularity with “Dr. Slump,” which featured a super-powerful girl robot, Arale-chan, a series that started in 1980 in a weekly comic magazine, Toriyama’s work also garnered success in anime adaption, spawning a range of merchandise.

dragonball5 — A child reads a Chinese version of the Japanese manga “Dragon Ball” in a library in Beijing on March 8, 2024. (Kyodo)

Launched in 1984, Dragon Ball, which follows the adventures of protagonist Goku and his explosive supernatural battles with his adversaries, became a worldwide success, with the manga selling over 260 million copies and spawning a franchise that includes anime series, films, video games and toys.

Born in Aichi Prefecture in central Japan, Toriyama debuted in 1978 with the manga series “Wonder Island,” and gained popularity following the release of his “Dr. Slump” series, which was serialized in the Shukan Shonen Jump weekly in 1980. He also worked as a character designer for the “Dragon Quest” video game series.

dragonball4 — Photo taken in 1982 shows portrait of Akira Toriyama, the creator of the legendary manga series “Dragon Ball.”

In 2000, Toriyama was part of the development team that accepted the grand prize for interactive digital art at the Japan Media Arts Festival, due to his contribution to character design for the game Dragon Quest VII. In 2006, Dragon Ball was ranked third out of 100 in the festival’s Japanese manga division.

Toriyama’s works “transcended national borders and were read and loved all over the world,” a statement by Dragon Ball’s publisher Shueisha Inc. said. “The charming characters he created and his overwhelming sense of design have had a great influence on many manga artists and creators,” it added.

Toriyama had been working on other projects before his death, including the anime “Sand Land: The Series,” which is due to be launched on a major streaming service later this month.

The news of Toriyama’s sudden death deeply saddened fellow manga artists and fans alike.

Masakazu Katsura, manga artist of “Zetman,” said he “felt weak and drained,” noting that he has been acquainted with Toriyama for some 40 years.

dragonball3 — Japanese animation series “Dragon Ball Z.” (Photo courtesy of Toei Animation Co.)(Copyright Bird Studio/Shueisha Inc./Toei Animation Co.)(No reuse permitted)(Kyodo)

Toriyama was “a friend to me more than a great manga artist,” Katsura said. “It’s such a shame that I can no longer chat with him about stupid things on the phone.”

Japan’s top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi praised the author for leaving “a great mark across a range of media.”

“He played an extremely important role in spreading” Japanese culture, the chief Cabinet secretary told a press conference.

Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. said sales of merchandise related to Dragon Ball, including video games and toys, totaled 144.5 billion yen ($980 million) for the fiscal year that ended March 2023, up 16.9 billion yen from the previous year.

The company expressed shock and deep sadness at Toriyama’s death, which came to light on Friday ahead of the release in April of a game based on his manga series “Sand Land.”

Toriyama’s characters have also continued to inspire the next generation of creators.

dragonball6 — Tourists touch a statue of a character from Akira Toriyama’s best-known work, “Dragon Ball,” in Tokyo on March 8, 2024. (Kyodo)

Police Are Seeking Tourist Divers Who Removed Phi Phi’s Shell

By

Khaosod English

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9 March 2024, 00:39

PHI PHI ISLANDS – Yutthaphong Damsrisuk, head of the Nopparat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park in Krabi Province, revealed that park representatives filed a complaint with the Phi Phi Island Police Station regarding a group of tourists from the Quel Voyage George Town boat diving who removed a shell from the seabed around Koh Bida in the Phi Phi Islands that violated the law of the National Park Act.

The police are now investigating to seek the group of tourists to take legal action.

In this case, park officials received a complaint from a Facebook user who posted images of foreign tourists diving at Bida Island and went down to pick up one shell. Then, a group of authorities from Hat Nopparat Thara-Phi Phi Islands National Park studied photographs of the scenery’s distinctive features. Then they identified the name of the boat that entered the region on the specified date and time.

Yutthaphong stated that he would like to request that tourists visiting the National Park adhere to the following park tourism regulations:

1. Do not collect, remove, or do anything that harms corals, aquatic animals, and wildlife, including natural resources that affect the ecology and biodiversity.

2. Do not leave sewage, waste, or anything that could harm the environment.

3. Do not hunt animals, catch aquatic animals, or engage in any other activities that endanger all species in the national park.

Previously, in June 2023, two Chinese tourists were accused of taking photos while holding a starfish and stepping on coral reefs during their diving trip off Koh Racha in Phuket province.

Their actions violated a law prohibiting harm to the coastal environment which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a 200,000 baht fine.

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