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In Thailand English-language News for March 5, 2018, Newsline presenter Sandra Hanutsaha tells us about:

00:45 | The Supreme Patriarch yesterday performed the eye-opening ceremony for two new Buddha statues for all personnel of the court to pay their respects to, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Constitutional Court (CC), which had the President of the CC, Nurak Marpraneet and judges as well as executives of the court in attendance.

01:46 | Minister of the Interior, General Anupong Paojinda yesterday presided over the official opening of the ‘Anti-road Accident Center’ set up to coordinate with related agencies to stringently ensure that traffic laws are enforced rigorously during the so-called seven dangerous days Songkran festival. The center will launch an awareness campaign on road safety measures to be implemented via ‘door-to-door’ strategy.

02:53 | Thais across the country continue to organise various activities tagged ‘Traditional Thai Songkran’ ahead of Songkran festival, with parades being conducted at Dusit zoo including religious ceremonies to welcome visitors until April 16.

Meanwhile, Tarutao National Park predicts that more than 10,000 people will celebrate their Songkran festival at the National park daily, while Chiang Rai will organise a ceremony to pour water on 99 Buddha images, in addition to other rituals.

00:44 | During his visit to Privy Council President and Statesman, General Prem Tinsulanonda at Baan Sisao Thewet, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday received blessings from the Privy Council President and vowed good leadership for the country.

05:46 | Doctors, nurses as well as other members of staff at various hospitals yeterday dressed in Thai traditional clothes in celebration of the Songkran Festival, aimed at entertaining the sick while they await treatment.

07:07 | Director of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thanawat Polwichai reported that according to a survey 81.5 per cent of respondents intend to travel and spend more than last year’s Songkran and that will generate about Bt132 billion, an increase of 3.5 per cent from the year prior (the highest amount in the 13 years).

Thanawat projected that overall growth this year will be between 4.2 to 4.6 per cent driven by tourism and exports, adding that economic growth in Thailand has been focused in particular areas with the agricultural sector still lagging.

08:57 | Newsline takes a look at the unique celebration of Songkran festival with elephants in Ayutthaya Province and how they are gearing up with numerous activities for Songkran festival this years.

13:47 | Police Major General Kamol Reanracha, commander of the Counter-Corruption Division (CCD), has dispatched 140 police officers to ten different ares where reports has been files over a bid-rigging in sewage trucks procurement.

CCD deputy commander Police Colonel Chak Pengsathor has found no evidence during the inspection in the home of former head of Tasai sub-district administrative organization in Samut Sakhon province.

Meawihle, Deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) Praiwan Ponlawan said the cabinet has issued an order to suspend three executives of the MSDHS over the allegation of corruption on state funds for the destitute.

According to Mrs Napa Setthakorn, director general of the Department of Social Development and Welfare, out of 95 civil servants alleged of fraud at 19 protection centres for the destitute.

16:00 | Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri province has welcomed female twin ring-tailed lemur cubs from Madagascar.

16:50 | Newsline takes a look at Thailand’s preparation for ageing society as more than 10 per cent of Thai population are over 60 years old, who are still capable to work. The government and general publics must work together to ensure a smooth transition.

21:12 | The number of Indonesians who have died after drinking home-made alcohol in Bandung last week had at least 82. Indonesia police have detained seven suspects and are still looking for other two who are on the run. In 2016 36 people died after drinking home-made alcohol.

• and more

Newsline is a daily Thailand English-language news and current affairs programme produced by the National News Bureau of Thailand (NNBT) under the Thailand Government Public Relations Department (PRD) for *NBT World, the NNBTs 24/7 English language television service delivering Thailand government news and information to the Thai, Asean, and wider Asian communities. AEC News Today publishes Thailand English-language News M-F.

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