New diving rules introduced to protect marine life

12 Sept 01:59 Key points summarised by AI

Strict photography rules now permit only advanced-level divers (or those with 40+ logged dives) to take underwater pictures, with diving classes requiring a separate cameraperson to prevent coral damage.
New group size limits cap scuba diving at four divers per handler and snorkeling/freediving at 20, while mandating that diving classes occur over sandy seabeds.
Snorkelers must wear life jackets and maintain a two-meter distance from corals, with operators responsible for providing proper training in correct snorkeling techniques.
Operators failing to comply with these regulations face severe penalties, including up to two years in jail and/or a fine of up to 200,000 baht.

Government to start building Chainat-Pasak-Gulf water diversion canal next year

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.