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Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, rejected accusations yesterday, October 1, that his party swayed the Senate's vote to retain the double majority requirement for constitutional referendums. “We had nothing to do with it,” Anutin stated, addressing Senator Nantana Nantavaropas' remarks suggesting possible manipulation in the vote. Anutin, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, stressed that any push for a new constitution must go through coalition leaders first. Chousak Sirinil, PM’s Office Minister, added that a joint committee is expected to iron out the differences between the Lower and Upper Houses regarding the majority needed for the referendum. Chousak mentioned that Pheu Thai must consult with coalition heads to advance the new constitution. Some coalition parties suggest amending Section 256 to establish a drafting body for the new charter. If Parliament approves a new constitution this way, it could be immediately put to a referendum. Wisut Chainarun, a Pheu Thai list-MP and chief government whip, will organise a meeting of coalition leaders to discuss the matter. Chousak is confident that the new constitution can be drafted within the government’s remaining term and proposed forming a panel for the charter-rewrite. On Monday, the Upper House voted 164-21, with nine abstentions, to keep the double majority rule, which requires over 50% voter turnout and majority approval in referendums. The composition of the new Senate, viewed as having ties to Bhumjaithai, raises suspicions, with 14 senators from Buriram and several others from well-represented provinces in the Lower House. In total, the Bhumjaithai-aligned blue bloc comprises at least 150 of 200 senators. File photo for reference only -- 2024-10-02

Phuket Airport Scandal: AoT Seeks More Time for Evidence Submission File photo for reference only Airports of Thailand (AoT) has requested additional time to provide evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) amidst allegations of corruption at Phuket International Airport. The controversy centres around an 11.8 million baht contract for stickers commemorating His Majesty The King, raising concerns about procedural irregularities. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339656-phuket-airport-scandal-aot-seeks-more-time-for-evidence-submission/

Airports of Thailand (AoT) has requested additional time to provide evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) amidst allegations of corruption at Phuket International Airport. The controversy centres around an 11.8 million baht contract for stickers commemorating His Majesty The King, raising concerns about procedural irregularities. The NACC's Phuket office is scrutinising various aspects, including budget allocation, median price determination, procurement methods, and authorisation processes. Allegations have emerged that regulations were breached by Phu Khao Advertising Co Ltd. Alarmingly, the sticker sheets were installed before the official auction date, raising further suspicions. Suwat Saowarat, Director of the NACC Office in Phuket, noted that AoT had not formally informed NACC of the case, casting doubts on AoT's transparency. Meanwhile, Phasaramon Kanchanawanit, AoT’s Director of Corporate Communications, revealed that disciplinary action has been taken against the deputy director and three senior staff members at the airport, though specifics on their punishments remain undisclosed. Despite an online notice from AoT President Kerati Kijmanawat stating that an internal investigation had concluded, AoT officials have limited their public comments. Local media sources have named the implicated individuals, but AoT has not confirmed these identities. The NACC continues its investigation, particularly focusing on ongoing jurisdictional boundaries and the substantial monetary threshold that categorises the case under their purview. AoT's plea for an extension follows their inability to meet the NACC's deadline for evidence submission. Documents necessary for the inquiry are reportedly at AoT’s main office in Bangkok, now under investigation by the NACC branch in the capital. The central NACC office has accepted the case for further investigation, ensuring continued oversight. This developing story touches on significant issues of corruption oversight and institutional accountability, crucial as Thailand continues to tackle corruption within its government institutions. File photo for reference only -- 2024-10-02

Thailand Welcomes 26M Tourists, Rakes In 1.214 Trillion Baht File photo for reference only Thailand's tourism sector has made a robust comeback, welcoming over 26 million international tourists from January 1 to October 1, generating a sizable 1.214 trillion baht in revenue. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced these impressive figures, signalling a strong recovery for the nation as a premier travel destination. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339655-thailand-welcomes-26m-tourists-rakes-in-1214-trillion-baht/

Thailand's tourism sector has made a robust comeback, welcoming over 26 million international tourists from January 1 to October 1, generating a sizable 1.214 trillion baht in revenue. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, announced these impressive figures, signalling a strong recovery for the nation as a premier travel destination. China topped the list of contributing countries with 5,227,573 tourists, followed by Malaysia with 3,734,847, India with 1,530,712, South Korea with 1,378,474, and Russia with 1,156,753 visitors. Sorawong emphasised that these numbers underscore the vitality and resilience of Thailand's tourism industry. During the week of September 23 to October 1, long-haul markets experienced significant growth. A total of 142,604 tourists arrived from long-haul destinations, showing a 6.85% increase from the prior week. Germany and the United Kingdom demonstrated particularly strong growth in this period. Conversely, short-haul arrivals saw a slight dip of 1.69%, primarily due to the end of school holidays in Malaysia, resulting in a total of 592,069 international arrivals for the week. Sorawong expressed optimism for the months ahead, anticipating a surge in visitors due to the Chinese National Day holidays and government initiatives aimed at easing travel and boosting airline capacity. These measures are expected to bolster Thailand’s standing as a leading tourist destination and ensure continued growth in the sector. With the government actively enhancing travel infrastructure, Thailand is poised for further impressive performance in its tourism industry, particularly in the final quarter of 2024. File photo for reference only -- 2024-10-02

Boost Songkhla tourism with better rail links to Malaysia, says guide Picture courtesy of Ministry of Culture Promoting Songkhla province’s cultural attractions and enhancing rail connections with Malaysia could significantly boost tourism, according to the founder of the Songkhla Tour Guide Association. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339654-boost-songkhla-tourism-with-better-rail-links-to-malaysia-says-guide/

Promoting Songkhla province’s cultural attractions and enhancing rail connections with Malaysia could significantly boost tourism, according to the founder of the Songkhla Tour Guide Association. Wittaya Saelim addressed these suggestions in a proposal recently submitted to Senator Chaiyong Maneerungsakul in the Hat Yai district. The proposal focused on addressing the province’s trade and tourism concerns and identifying ways to increase revenue. Songkhla is already a popular destination for cultural and religious holidays. Wittaya, drawing from his experience as a guide for tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taiwan, and India, highlighted the province’s appeal, particularly to Malaysian and Singaporean visitors who enjoy visiting temples and shrines. “These visitors have a strong potential to boost the local economy.” Wittaya urged the government to consider measures that would enhance their travel experience. One of Wittaya’s key proposals is to improve the rail connection between Thailand and Malaysia at the Padang Besar border station in Sadao district. “Malaysian tourists prefer travelling by train. A smooth railway connection will help not just to promote tourism but also reduce the use of personal cars from Malaysia, which will help ease traffic congestion in Hat Yai.” Additionally, he suggested linking the Thai border train station in Sungai Kolok district of Narathiwat with the Lantupanang train station in Kelantan, Malaysia, to facilitate two-way tourism and trade. Hat Yai’s frequent tourism promotion events often result in road closures, which can clog traffic and block access to local businesses. Wittaya pointed out that this issue needs addressing to avoid inconvenience to both tourists and locals. Furthermore, the intense competition, including online bookings, has led to significant fluctuations in the prices of hotels, restaurants, and traditional massage services, creating challenges for local businesses. Wittaya proposed collaboration between state agencies, including the Commerce and Transport ministries, immigration and tourism police, and the private sector, with the Songkhla governor leading the effort, reported Bangkok Post. Improving the rail connections and addressing logistical issues could enhance the overall experience for tourists, potentially increasing the province’s attractiveness and economic benefits. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Ministry of Culture Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

Strong baht, flooding impact Thailand’s tourism market deficit with Japan Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The appreciation of the baht and severe flooding have emerged as pivotal factors for Thailand’s tourism industry, particularly with the High Season fast approaching. The final quarter is crucial in determining if Thailand can rebalance its tourism market deficit with Japan, which outperformed Thailand last year. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339653-strong-baht-flooding-impact-thailand’s-tourism-market-deficit-with-japan/

The appreciation of the baht and severe flooding have emerged as pivotal factors for Thailand’s tourism industry, particularly with the High Season fast approaching. The final quarter is crucial in determining if Thailand can rebalance its tourism market deficit with Japan, which outperformed Thailand last year. By August, 706,500 Thais had visited Japan, while 668,221 Japanese tourists had travelled to Thailand, creating a gap of around 38,000. This disparity was much smaller compared to the previous year when Japan had a surplus of over 189,000 tourists, attracting 995,558 Thai visitors against 805,768 Japanese arrivals in Thailand. Chuwit Sirivejkul, regional director of marketing for East Asia at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), expressed confidence that the Japanese market would contribute at least 1 million visitors this year. The Thai Travel Agents Association also forecasts that the Thai outbound market will exceed 1 million visitors for the first time. The final quarter is traditionally a busy period for Thai tourists, who often visit Japan to enjoy the autumn foliage and snowy weather, Chuwit said. “We can look forward to a growing market during this high season. Heated competition for airline seats should return. “This could result in a spike in airfares, as occurred last year, as available seats have recovered to just 65% of the 2019 level.” Thailand tourism Chuwit added that while the strong baht might not deter Japanese tourists from visiting Thailand, they would now have stricter budget plans and disciplined spending. A greater concern is the declining travel demand from Japan’s aged population, with 30% of Japanese now older than 65. This group is more sensitive to volatile exchange rates and prioritises their budget for health over travel. Since the pandemic, many older Japanese have not renewed their expired passports. In response, the Japan Association of Travel Agents is offering a discount of 8,000 yen on the passport application’s full fare of 15,000 yen, Chuwit said. “Last year, TAT launched privileges for Japanese who visited Thailand as the first country for their renewed passports. We decided to continue this project in the fiscal year 2025, starting this month, in a bid to accelerate the growth of the young generation. This group is less affected as they’re willing to spend.” TAT recently participated in the 35th Tourism Expo Japan 2024 at Tokyo Big Sight, with 13 tourism operators from Thailand aiming to capture new business opportunities. Chuwit noted that while the young generation accounted for only 20% of Japanese visitors to Thailand in 2023, the trend appears promising. The increase is attributed to student trips, tourists attending fan meetings and concerts in Thailand, and young professionals feeling economic pressure. Digital nomads However, Japan is considered a mature market, meaning it cannot expect a significant surge in numbers like China. Instead, it is a quality market with a steady average spending of over 50,000 baht (US$1,535) per trip and an average stay of 9.25 days. Kajorndet Apichartrakul, director of TAT’s Tokyo office, said the young generation, especially digital nomads, has helped improve the market this year and is expected to be a key contributor to the 10% growth rate anticipated for 2025. Despite the strong baht and a weak yen, Japanese tourists view Thai tourism products as affordable, which could help mitigate the exchange rate deficit. Additionally, average Japanese salary growth hit a 33-year high in 2024, improving positive sentiment among young workers, Kajorndet said. “Another factor to watch is natural disasters, not only flooding in Thailand, but also flood-hit areas in Japan.” “Severe weather forecasts always discourage people from looking for trips away from homes. Normally the market needs four to six months to pick up.” Kajorndet also mentioned that overtourism in some Japanese destinations could persuade locals to opt for overseas trips, reported Bangkok Post. “Thailand was still ranked as the fourth most visited destination for the Japanese, following South Korea, the US, which includes Hawaii, and Taiwan.” By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

Thailand to develop SME-focused industrial estate in EEC Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is planning to develop a new industrial estate tailored specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Sumet Thangprasert, the acting governor of IEAT, confirmed that a portion of an IEAT-owned industrial estate in the EEC would be utilised for this project. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339652-thailand-to-develop-sme-focused-industrial-estate-in-eec/

The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is planning to develop a new industrial estate tailored specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Sumet Thangprasert, the acting governor of IEAT, confirmed that a portion of an IEAT-owned industrial estate in the EEC would be utilised for this project. The EEC, encompassing regions like Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao, is designed to be Thailand’s high-tech industrial nucleus. It is intended to host 12 targeted industries, such as next-generation automotive and smart electronics, said Sumet. “We are in discussions with several industrial estate developers to assess their interest in supporting SMEs, but ultimately, the government may opt for IEAT to spearhead this initiative.” This initiative to aid SMEs is driven by Industry Minister Akanat Promphan’s commitment to providing enhanced financial and technical support to these enterprises. Promphan previously mentioned his plans to discuss the development of a new industrial estate for SMEs with the IEAT. Building factories within industrial estates typically demands significant investment but the proposed estate aims to accommodate SMEs with limited budgets. The government aims to ensure that SMEs do not face prohibitive costs when accessing estate facilities, Sumet added. “The IEAT seeks to establish agreements between industrial estate developers and SMEs on reasonable facility usage costs under build-to-suit leases.” The IEAT has developed a robust network of industrial estates, comprising 68 locations across 16 provinces. This network has attracted cumulative investments exceeding 17 trillion baht (US$520 billion) and generated employment for 953,630 people. The IEAT plans to collaborate with the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank) and the Industry Ministry to support businesses interested in investing in the SME industrial estate, Thangprasert. “We aim to provide SMEs, which are crucial for economic growth, with improved access to financial resources.” Pichit Mitrawong, Managing Director of SME D Bank, highlighted that over three million SMEs are registered with the government, reported Bangkok Post. “This initiative offers a significant opportunity for SMEs to advance their business growth within the new industrial estate. The government can simultaneously manage the estate by promoting eco-friendly manufacturing and digital technology.” By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

From idol to outcast: Thaksin devotee switches allegiances Photo courtesy of The Nation Once a die-hard fan of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a 60 year old Thai woman went as far as travelling from Thailand to the UAE just to see her political hero during his self-imposed exile. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339651-from-idol-to-outcast-thaksin-devotee-switches-allegiances/

Once a die-hard fan of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a 60 year old Thai woman went as far as travelling from Thailand to the UAE just to see her political hero during his self-imposed exile. Armed with gifts, letters, and a banner, Podjanin Towatrakool wept upon meeting Thaksin in 2009, hugging him and calling him “father.” She even covered her house walls with pictures of the billionaire and composed songs in his honour. Fast forward to 2024, and Podjanin’s admiration has crumbled. Thaksin’s political comeback, via a contentious deal that saw his Pheu Thai Party ditch the election-winning now-defunct Move Forward Party (MFP) to join forces with conservative factions, was the breaking point. “I am willing to meet Thaksin in private but I don’t want to be seen in public as a supporter.” Podjanin declared her allegiance to the orange-clad Progressive People’s Party, a reincarnation of the MFP. Podjanin is not alone. Many red-shirt supporters, once loyal to Thaksin, have turned their backs on him, disillusioned by his alliance with pro-military factions. Political scientist Titipol Phakdeewanich noted the shift. “We cannot associate all red shirts with the Thaksin fan club. Now, a large number of them support the (former) MFP.” This split between red-shirt factions is echoed by Tida Tawornseth, former chairperson of a red-shirt network. “There are two kinds of red shirts now. The first are loyal to Thaksin. The second stick to their ideology.” As Pheu Thai faces declining support, particularly in its northern heartland, the Progressive People’s Party is gathering steam, with many hoping for real change in Thailand’s deeply entrenched political system. But for some, like farmer Sonfan Patoompon, Thaksin remains a hero. She scoffs at the younger generation’s calls for change, confident in her unwavering loyalty to Pheu Thai’s promises, reported The Nation. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Nation Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

Missing Thai woman found dead off Phuket’s coast Picture courtesy of Tha Chatchai Police A Thai woman reported missing from Sai Kaew Beach on Phuket’s northwestern coast was found dead in the water at Tha Chatchai late yesterday afternoon. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339650-missing-thai-woman-found-dead-off-phuket’s-coast/

A Thai woman reported missing from Sai Kaew Beach on Phuket’s northwestern coast was found dead in the water at Tha Chatchai late yesterday afternoon. Jiraporn Onkhajorn raised the alarm to Tha Chatchai Police about her sister-in-law, Jiraporn Sararat, who had gone missing earlier in the day. Jiraporn discovered her sister-in-law’s blue Honda Scoopy motorbike, along with a pair of shoes and a helmet, abandoned on Sai Kaew Beach around 1pm, yesterday, October 1. By 5.40pm, police received reports of a body floating in the water several kilometres away near Wat Tha ChatChai, situated beside the Srisoonthorn Bridge, which connects to the island. Rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation retrieved the body. The deceased, a Thai woman approximately 50 years old, was wearing an orange-cream shirt and black long pants. Initial examinations revealed no immediate signs of struggle. Jiraporn arrived at the scene and confirmed the body was indeed her missing sister-in-law. Police then transported the body to Thalang Hospital for further examination to determine the cause of death, reported The Phuket News. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. In related news, a foreign woman’s body was discovered floating in the waters off Freedom Beach on May 1. Karon police received word of the grim find around 2.45pm. A subsequent recovery mission was swiftly assembled, with Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers utilising a rubber dinghy to retrieve the body and transport it ashore near Nong Harn Lake in Karon. The deceased is thought to be a foreign woman aged between 25 and 30 years old. Her dark skin, short black curly hair, and towering height of approximately 180 centimetres were reported. Notably, she was found wearing a seashell necklace and a shell bracelet on her right wrist but lacked any other clothing. Upon examination, the police found no visible injuries or signs that the woman had been in a struggle. However, for further investigation, her body was transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital. By Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of Tha Chatchai Police Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

Pattaya drunken brawl: Construction worker dies, Brit arrested Photo courtesy of John Max Neale Facebook Thai police have provided an update on a drunken fight in Pattaya that left a Western Australian man dead and a British tourist under arrest. The tragic brawl, which occurred outside the Walk In Mansion Hotel in Pattaya, saw the Aussie construction worker lose his life after an altercation with a 29 year old British man. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339285-two-friends-in-drunken-dispute-one-knocked-unconscious-after-argument-turns-violent/?do=findComment&comment=19276605

Pattaya drunken brawl: Construction worker dies, Brit arrested Thai police have provided an update on a drunken fight in Pattaya that left a Western Australian man dead and a British tourist under arrest. The tragic brawl, which occurred outside the Walk In Mansion Hotel in Pattaya, saw the Aussie construction worker lose his life after an altercation with a 29 year old British man. The construction worker, 58 year old John Max Neale, originally from Leicester, had been drinking with the British tourist in the early hours of Friday morning, September 27, when things spiralled out of control. Thai police reported that the 29 year old punched Neale, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement. Despite paramedics performing CPR and rushing him to Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Neale could not be revived. Witnesses and CCTV footage appear to back the allegations against the unnamed British man, though he continues to deny any wrongdoing. Police Major Tanongsak Inphadung said, “He refused to say anything, even though we had an interpreter, and he will get a lawyer to defend the lawsuit.” The cause of the fight remains unclear but police suspect alcohol played a major role in the fatal encounter. Both men were staying on the same floor of the hotel, and Neale had been seen drinking for hours before the incident. Police are awaiting autopsy results to confirm whether Neale was also intoxicated. Neale, who moved to Perth from the UK, owned a construction consulting business. Just two months before his death, he had purchased a house in Newman, Western Australia, for 480,000 Aussie dollars (around 10.8 million baht), reported the Daily Mail UK. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of John Max Neale Facebook Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

Ghosted: Spooked Chon Buri man blames ghost for KFC order Photo courtesy of KhaoSod A food delivery rider suffered a personal nightmare when a customer refused to pay for a KFC order, claiming a ghost had placed it. The eerie incident took place in Chon Buri province, with the police stepping in to resolve the situation. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339649-ghosted-spooked-chon-buri-man-blames-ghost-for-kfc-order/

A food delivery rider suffered a personal nightmare when a customer refused to pay for a KFC order, claiming a ghost had placed it. The eerie incident took place in Chon Buri province, with the police stepping in to resolve the situation. Police from Don Hua Lo station in Chon Buri received a distress call yesterday, October 1 at 11.30pm from 33 year old Penapha, who works as a food delivery rider. She reported that a customer had refused to pay for a KFC order worth 850 baht. Upon arrival, the police found Than, the customer, sitting outside a rented room. Than spun a spine-chilling tale, insisting he had been fast asleep and hadn’t placed the order. He bizarrely claimed that his late girlfriend’s spirit had possessed him to do so. With no funds to cover the meal, Than reluctantly agreed to accompany the officers to the station if needed. Penapha recounted the story to the press. “The customer ordered KFC worth 850 baht and chose to pay on delivery. But when I arrived, he said he had no money and that a ghost had ordered the food. He even threatened that if he got too hungry, he might kill someone.” Penapha further added that she had previously delivered to this same customer who had paid in full that time. She explained that she couldn’t cancel the order in the system due to company policies. If a customer places an order and refuses to pay upon delivery, the rider cannot cancel it, leaving her in a difficult financial situation. Having worked the entire day, losing 850 baht would be a significant loss for her. Police officers, after speaking with Than, suspected he might have psychiatric issues. They decided to assist Penapha by taking both her and Than to the Don Hua Lo Police Station. At the station, the police collectively paid the 850 baht, ensuring Penapha was compensated for her work, reported KhaoSod. By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

Filler fiasco: Fake doc’s botched injections leave dentist’s family disfigured Photo via Facebook/ ToKo A Thai dentist and her family members are seeking compensation from an illegal beauty clinic in Bangkok, owned by a fake doctor, after suffering disfigurement from filler injections. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339648-filler-fiasco-fake-doc’s-botched-injections-leave-dentist’s-family-disfigured/

A Thai dentist and her family members are seeking compensation from an illegal beauty clinic in Bangkok, owned by a fake doctor, after suffering disfigurement from filler injections. The unnamed dentist visited the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) office yesterday, October 1, together with her sister and mother, to file a complaint against the fake doctor who illegally operated a beauty clinic near the National Stadium BTS station. The dentist explained that she and her family were interested in facial filler injections and conducted extensive research on various clinics in Bangkok until they selected a particular one. The clinic owner claimed to be a specialist approved by the Medical Council of Thailand, which instilled confidence in the three women to trust the service. The three victims paid 1.02 million baht for the filler injections, only to experience severe facial distortion. The dentist reported that the clinic owner administered an excessive amount of filler to each of them. Specifically, her mother received 37 tubes instead of the prescribed 30, her sister received 28 tubes instead of 21, and she was given 22 tubes instead of 15. The excessive fillers resulted in noticeable facial distortion a month later, to the extent that the dentist felt too self-conscious to go to work. The dentist further investigated the identity of the clinic owner and discovered that the owner was not a doctor or specialist as claimed. She attempted to seek compensation but failed. The three victims had to pay 10,000 baht more for treatment costs themselves. The dentist added that she and her family were not the first victims of this fake doctor. Many people suffered from beauty surgery mishaps performed by this illegal practitioner before. Several complaints were reported but did not lead to the alleged fake doctor’s arrest. The CPPD acknowledged the complaint and will conduct further investigation into the fake doctor’s clinic. In a related report, the Central Investigation Bureau raided four illegal beauty clinics in the eastern province of Rayong and the southern province of Phuket in August and seized more than 200 items, including registered and unregistered medicines, medical equipment, improperly labelled cosmetics, and other medical supplies worth over 280,000 baht. By Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ToKo Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-02

Investigation of fatal school coach fire gets underway Photo: Thai PBS World Forensic investigators have started collecting evidence from the ill-fated double-decked coach that caught fire today, killing 22 school students and three teachers. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339544-school-bus-fire-claims-multiple-lives-and-injures-young-students-in-rangsit/?do=findComment&comment=19274008

Investigation of fatal school coach fire gets underway Forensic investigators have started collecting evidence from the ill-fated double-decked coach that caught fire today, killing 22 school students and three teachers. Officials were seen erecting temporary screens around the wreckage, to facilitate the forensic work, which will include the identification of the victims’ bodies. They are mapping the seating plan on the coach to help identify the bodies, as most were burned beyond recognition. Photo: Thai PBS World Full story: Thai PBS World -- 2024-10-01

Two coach fire students in ICU, one may lose her eyesight Photo: Thai PBS World Two of the three injured students admitted to Rangsit Hospital are on ventilators in the intensive care unit (ICU), with one of them at serious risk of never seeing again. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339579-two-coach-fire-students-in-icu-one-may-lose-her-eyesight/

Two of the three injured students admitted to Rangsit Hospital are on ventilators in the intensive care unit (ICU), with one of them at serious risk of never seeing again. Dr. Anocha Tadum, a resident surgeon at the hospital, told the media today that three injured students were admitted for treatment of burns from the fire on the double-deck coach in which they were travelling with their classmates and teachers. One of the patients, a 7-year-old girl, sustained burns to her face, mouth, eyes and right hand. She developed breathing difficulties and was put on a ventilator in the ICU, said the doctor, adding that she is at risk of losing her eyesight and is now under close observation. The hospital has already been in contact with her parents. Another patient, a 9-year-old girl, also sustained severe burns, but her condition is not quite as serious. She is, however, also on ventilator. The third, a 14-year-old, sustained minor burns. Photo: Thai PBS World Full story: Thai PBS World -- 2024-10-01