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Fifteen arrested in Nakhon Ratchasima for land burning amid forest fire by Bright Choomanee Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A total of 15 people have been apprehended in Nakhon Ratchasima for burning agricultural land, contributing to a forest fire that destroyed 6,016 rai. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350075-fifteen-arrested-in-nakhon-ratchasima-for-land-burning-amid-forest-fire/

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod by Bright Choomanee A total of 15 people have been apprehended in Nakhon Ratchasima for burning agricultural land, contributing to a forest fire that destroyed 6,016 rai. This has led to PM2.5 dust levels exceeding safety standards. Yesterday, January 27, a meeting at the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Hall was chaired by Suraphan Silpasuwan, the province’s deputy governor. The discussion focused on tackling forest fires and the resultant smoke and fine particulate matter that threatens public health. The Nakhon Ratchasima Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre reported that between January 1 and January 25, there were 25 forest fires in the area, destroying 6,016 rai of forest. The majority of these fires were caused by foraging activities, with Khon Buri district experiencing the most damage at 2,453 rai. This was followed by 1,700 rai each in Chaloem Phra Kiat and Pak Chong districts. Legal action has been taken against people burning agricultural land across 10 districts: Phimai, Huai Thalaeng, Khong, Kham Thale So, Non Thai, Thepharak, Chaloem Phra Kiat, Pak Chong, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, and Nong Bun Mak. Five people face charges, while investigations continue to identify and prosecute 10 more. Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Suraphan highlighted that PM2.5 levels have surpassed permissible limits, adversely affecting residents’ health and daily lives. Consequently, the province has instructed districts to intensify measures against burning to mitigate the impact of fine particulate matter. This includes strict enforcement of laws to curb pollution from vehicles by targeting and penalising vehicles emitting black smoke, especially in urban areas and on main roads. The agricultural sector is under scrutiny, with efforts to educate and deter farmers, tractor owners, and straw baler operators from burning practices. Officials are compiling lists of at-risk farmer groups and engaging them in discussions to seek cooperation in avoiding burning. Legal measures are coordinated with local village heads to ensure compliance. Construction sites are also being monitored, with officials inspecting large projects to ensure adherence to the Building Control Act of 1979. Local administrative bodies are urged to rigorously check compliance with construction permits and enforce legal standards, reported KhaoSod. Industrial pollution control is emphasised, with over 1,700 factories subject to inspection to ensure compliance with the Factory Act of 1992 and the National Environmental Quality Promotion and Protection Act of 1992. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-28

Thai hotel owner returns wedding ring lost 5 years ago to Norwegian guest by Petch Petpailin Photo via 77 Kaoded A Thai hotel owner kept her promise and returned a wedding ring to a Norwegian guest who had forgotten it at her hotel in the southern province of Krabi five years ago. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350073-thai-hotel-owner-returns-wedding-ring-lost-5-years-ago-to-norwegian-guest/

Photo via 77 Kaoded by Petch Petpailin A Thai hotel owner kept her promise and returned a wedding ring to a Norwegian guest who had forgotten it at her hotel in the southern province of Krabi five years ago. The Thai Facebook account สมศักดิ์ เตบบุตร (Somsak Tebboot) shared the story of his family member, Warunee Khundee, owner of Bliss Resort on Koh Wang Beach in Krabi, on Sunday, January 26. He posted a picture of Warunee and her Norwegian guest, along with a caption that read… “This guest forgot her diamond wedding ring at the hotel five years ago and has just reclaimed it.” The post depicted Warunee returning the ring to the Norwegian woman. The woman was seen immediately placing the long-lost ring on her finger. The ring featured a classic floral design with a gold shank. Warunee later told Channel 7 that the Norwegian woman and 10 family members had stayed at the hotel five years ago. After the family had checked out, the staff cleaned the room and discovered the ring on the floor. Warunee contacted the guest, who requested that the valuable item be kept safe until she could return. Despite the long five-year wait, Warunee kept her promise and personally returned the ring to its rightful owner on Sunday. Photo via Facebook/ สมศักดิ์ เตบบุตร Warunee explained that the Norwegian guest had arrived this time with two friends. She greeted Warunee, saying… “Do you remember me? I forgot my wedding ring here.” Warunee said she clearly remembered the guest, particularly because of the sentimental value of the item she had left behind. The guest shared that she was travelling with friends on this occasion because her husband had since passed away. Photo via Facebook/ สมศักดิ์ เตบบุตร Warunee told the media she was delighted that the ring had finally been reunited with its owner. She expressed hope that the ring would serve as a lasting reminder of the love the woman shared with her late husband. In a related story earlier this month, a street cleaner in Pattaya found a wallet while working and returned it to its Thai owner. Similarly, a taxi driver in Bangkok demonstrated his honesty by returning 75,100 baht in cash to his Israeli passenger. Thai wowan returns wedding ring fotgot five years ago to foreign woman Photo via Facebook/ สมศักดิ์ เตบบุตร Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-28

Thai PM to Address Cabinet on Urgent PM2.5 Pollution Measures Commuters wear face masks to protect themselves from air pollution at a skytrain station in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) As Thailand grapples with escalating PM2.5 pollution, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will direct the cabinet on Tuesday to enhance efforts addressing this pressing environmental crisis. The looming haze, an issue stretching beyond national boundaries, demands immediate and unified action. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350066-thai-pm-to-address-cabinet-on-urgent-pm25-pollution-measures/

Commuters wear face masks to protect themselves from air pollution at a skytrain station in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) As Thailand grapples with escalating PM2.5 pollution, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will direct the cabinet on Tuesday to enhance efforts addressing this pressing environmental crisis. The looming haze, an issue stretching beyond national boundaries, demands immediate and unified action. Returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ms Paetongtarn underlined the international scope of the pollution challenge, seeking regional cooperation through Asean to tackle the crisis effectively. Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is anticipated to lead these diplomatic endeavours under existing frameworks. The cabinet meeting will assess the progress made by various ministries since October. Key players include the Department of Pollution Control, Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), and the Industry Ministry, all set to report on their missions to mitigate haze and uplift air quality. Prime Minister Shinawatra is expected to issue further directives, targeting forest fires in national parks and curbing agricultural burning. In Bangkok and its vicinity, agencies such as the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Department of Land Transport, and Royal Thai Police will coordinate operations against dust pollution. Other provinces, particularly those beleaguered by forest fires like Chiang Mai, which has shown improvement in air quality, will share effective strategies. The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee will zero in on the regions most impacted by burning activities. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will lead a follow-up meeting on Wednesday to evaluate actions and discuss preparation for future emergencies. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong will contribute insights for comprehensive strategies. During his visit to Chiang Mai, Mr Anutin highlighted the human activities aggravating the pollution, especially changes in agricultural practices. He stressed on enforcing the law to curb such practices, emphasising a need for immediate action. Thailand's annual battle with natural disasters begins with the haze, followed by drought, floods, and cold snaps—a cycle demanding urgent preventive measures. The government pledges total commitment, seeking collaboration across sectors to counteract the haze and its ramifications on health, environment, and tourism. The Labour and Public Health Ministries warned of hazardous dust levels but assured they are intensifying efforts. High-risk groups are advised to wear face masks outdoors, with medical care access ensured through social security if affected. Distribution of protective masks is set to begin Tuesday for those in critical zones. The Public Health Ministry has secured 7.3 million surgical masks and over 600,000 N95 masks for immediate distribution, prioritising vulnerable populations. Thailand faces a pivotal moment in addressing its pollution woes, requiring coordinated action and steadfast enforcement to ensure public health and environmental safety, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-28

Lopburi Tourist Police Hand Out Masks to Combat 'PM2.5' Picture courtesy: Daily News In response to the rising PM2.5 pollution levels affecting air quality, Tourist Police in Lopburi have taken proactive measures by distributing face masks to tourists as part of an initiative to combat the issue Amidst concerns over harmful dust particles in the air, the Prime Minister has ordered an immediate collaborative effort to combat the pollution problem, directing multiple agencies, including law enforcement, to implement urgent measures. The national police chief has instated four strict measures to enforce laws that aim to reduce air pollution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350056-lopburi-tourist-police-hand-out-masks-to-combat-pm25/

Picture courtesy: Daily News In response to the rising PM2.5 pollution levels affecting air quality, Tourist Police in Lopburi have taken proactive measures by distributing face masks to tourists as part of an initiative to combat the issue Amidst concerns over harmful dust particles in the air, the Prime Minister has ordered an immediate collaborative effort to combat the pollution problem, directing multiple agencies, including law enforcement, to implement urgent measures. The national police chief has instated four strict measures to enforce laws that aim to reduce air pollution. Under this directive, the Tourist Police, led by Maj. Gen. Sak Si-la Phueak-am, have been instructed to work closely with local authorities to implement measures addressing PM2.5 pollution. In Lopburi, joint efforts with local administrative bodies include regular patrols to monitor and respond swiftly to any pollution incidents across vulnerable areas, such as sugarcane fields and forested regions. Elsewhere in the provinces of Sing Buri, Chai Nat, and Saraburi, the police have similarly been directed to collaborate with local officials to ensure compliance with anti-pollution regulations. Moreover, officers under the S.T.C. project have been tasked with raising awareness among tourists regarding the air quality situation and encouraging them to wear protective masks. Tourist police continue to distribute masks to both tourists and locals, alongside promoting emergency contact resources such as the 1155 hotline and the TPB application for assistance. This collective effort underscores the authorities' commitment to mitigating the health risks associated with air pollution and ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors, reported Daily News. -- 2025-01-28

Palang Pracharath Rejects Pheu Thai Government's Casino Proposal Prawit Wongsuwan. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath The Palang Pracharath Party, led by former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, has firmly opposed the Pheu Thai-led government's proposal to develop casinos as part of entertainment complex projects across Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350046-palang-pracharath-rejects-pheu-thai-governments-casino-proposal/

Prawit Wongsuwan. File photo courtesy: Thai Rath The Palang Pracharath Party, led by former Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, has firmly opposed the Pheu Thai-led government's proposal to develop casinos as part of entertainment complex projects across Thailand. Chaiwut Thanakhamanusorn, Deputy Leader of Palang Pracharath, announced today that the party's executive board disagrees with the planned construction of billion-baht entertainment complexes that would legally include casinos in major tourist destinations such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. Chaiwut voiced concerns that these government-endorsed casinos could lead people into gambling addictions and financial distress, impacting households and potentially spurring gambling-related crimes. He noted that up to 90% of profits from such entertainment complexes are expected to be driven by casino operations. The opposition party also raised suspicions about the potential for individuals associated with Pheu Thai, as linked to the de facto party boss Thaksin Shinawatra, who is the father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, benefiting financially from these ventures. Palang Pracharath continues to stand against what they perceive as a misguided approach to boosting tourism and economic growth, repported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-28

Thaksin's Hospital Suite Admission Reveals He Wasn't in Critical Condition Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, head of the Thai Liberal Party, has voiced concerns regarding the circumstances of Thaksin Shinawatra's hospitalisation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350041-thaksins-hospital-suite-admission-reveals-he-wasnt-in-critical-condition/

Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, head of the Thai Liberal Party, has voiced concerns regarding the circumstances of Thaksin Shinawatra's hospitalisation. Thaksin, who returned to Thailand in August 2023 after 17 years in self-exile, was immediately moved into a hospital suite at Police Hospital without undergoing an intensive care assessment. This development has led Sereepisuth to question whether Thaksin was genuinely in critical condition. Thaksin, having faced an eight-year prison sentence for power abuse—which, after a royal pardon, was reduced to one year—was reportedly suffering from critical illnesses shortly after entering prison, leading to a six-month stint in the hospital. Sereepisuth's scepticism was voiced after meeting with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), where he indicated such cases usually require patients to undergo thorough health evaluations in the ICU before being transferred to a recovery suite. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath He reiterated that standard medical protocols involve extensive examinations by specialists like neurologists, cardiologists, and pulmonologists before moving a patient out of ICU. "I spent over 20 days in the hospital once," Sereepisuth noted, "and it's crucial for one's muscle mass to recover, which requires time in the ICU before transitioning to a suite." Sereepisuth has accepted the NACC's invitation to inspect the 14th floor suite where Thaksin stayed, believing that justice demands transparency. He is adamant that despite the passage of time, the suite's condition remains unchanged, hinting at long-standing disparities within the system. He further suggested the potential involvement of Thaksin's family in ongoing investigations, particularly as the Corrections Department permitted 10 relatives, including his daughter and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, to visit him during his stay. The NACC aims to summon these individuals to ascertain the truth of Thaksin's medical condition, yet acknowledges the uncertainty regarding their willingness to provide information. This incident, shedding light on possible inequality in the treatment of high-profile individuals within Thailand's justice system, continues to stir debate. The broader public and anti-corruption bodies wait with bated breath for further developments as investigations continue. As discussions unfold, the focus remains squarely on ensuring transparency and justice in Thailand’s handling of influential figures like Thaksin, with implications potentially extending beyond his singular case, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-28

Nationwide Face Mask Distribution Begins to Combat Air Pollution File photo for reference only Starting tomorrow, the Ministry of Public Health will begin distributing over 8 million face masks across the country to tackle harmful PM 2.5 dust pollution. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350028-nationwide-face-mask-distribution-begins-to-combat-air-pollution/

Foreign motorcyclist leaves 4,000 baht for injured Phuket man, then flees By Petch Petpailin The foreigner's rental motorcycle. | Photo via Facebook/ Phuket Times Phuket Times A Thai mother is calling for justice after a foreign motorcyclist collided with her son's motorcycle on a road in Phuket and fled the scene, leaving only 4,000 baht in compensation. The Thai victim sustained injuries, and his motorcycle was damaged in the incident. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350014-foreign-motorcyclist-leaves-4000-baht-for-injured-phuket-man-then-flees/

Thailand Boosts Transgender Health with 145.63 Million Baht Hormone Initiative File photo for reference only The Public Health Ministry in Thailand has devoted 145.63 million baht (US$4.32 million) to provide hormone medication for 200,000 transgender citizens. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350020-thailand-boosts-transgender-health-with-14563-million-baht-hormone-initiative/

to continue: Thailand Live Tuesday 28 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1350007-thailand-live-tuesday-28-january-2025/

Photo via Facebook/ Speednews ภูเก็ต South Korean man allegedly tricked into smuggling drugs from Phuket to France by Petch Petpailin A South Korean man narrowly avoided arrest after being tricked by a foreign man in Phuket into smuggling drugs from Thailand to France. He sought help from the Thai police just in time. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349985-south-korean-man-allegedly-tricked-into-smuggling-drugs-from-phuket-to-france/

Operation Dragon Slayer: Police Raids Target Chinese Crime-Linked Villas Picture courtesy: Khaosod Police in Chon Buri province have launched a series of raids, targeting luxurious villas suspecting connections to Chinese criminal enterprises. These dramatic developments are part of a wider operation dubbed "Dragon Slayer," aimed at cracking down on illegal Chinese investments in Thailand's tourism sector. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350013-operation-dragon-slayer-police-raids-target-chinese-crime-linked-villas/

Picture courtesy: Khaosod Police in Chon Buri province have launched a series of raids, targeting luxurious villas suspecting connections to Chinese criminal enterprises. These dramatic developments are part of a wider operation dubbed "Dragon Slayer," aimed at cracking down on illegal Chinese investments in Thailand's tourism sector. This Sunday, officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division, under the directive of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), descended upon five properties in the vibrant region of Chon Buri. These premises, known for housing an influx of Chinese tourists, are suspected of being purchased and funded through illicit means by Chinese nationals. The core of these investigations rests on allegations that money accumulated from criminal activities, including notorious call-centre scams, was being laundered into Thailand's booming hospitality market. The accused Chinese entities allegedly funnelled these funds into prime real estate, setting up villas specifically targeting Chinese tourists as clientele. Upon inspection, the targeted villas, each boasting extravagant poolside features, were collectively valued at over 20 million Thai Baht. These properties catered heavily to Chinese visitors who settled payments in cash, varied foreign currencies, and cutting-edge digital transactions, a move possibly designed to obscure their financial trails. What further complicates the matter are the tangled webs of ownership. The CIB's findings suggest that these properties were legally registered under names of local companies, apparently set up to run organised tours and related hospitality services. However, these corporate entities masked the real ownerships, with over 40 such companies allegedly acting as facades for the true Chinese owners pulling the strings from behind the curtain. Picture courtesy: Khaosod Authorities are currently piecing together evidence to ascertain the full scale of this secretive operation. It's believed that the local signees, purported as proprietors, might merely be proxy entities, lending their names to protect the identities of the original investors. This layered obfuscation strategy is commonly employed in money laundering operations to distance true owners from their illegal investments. The raids send a clear message about the intent to dismantle the nexus of crime infiltrating the Thai tourism industry. However, the operation is far from over as the authorities continue to pursue more leads, promising further actions and potential arrests in upcoming phases, reported Bangkok Post. Thailand, a magnet for global tourism, faces challenges in maintaining its integrity against such underhanded practices. While the outcome of Operation Dragon Slayer will unfold over time, it stands as a crucial step in safeguarding the nation’s economic stability and its reputable tourism sector. -- 2025-01-27

South Korean man allegedly tricked into smuggling drugs from Phuket to France by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ Speednews ภูเก็ต A South Korean man narrowly avoided arrest after being tricked by a foreign man in Phuket into smuggling drugs from Thailand to France. He sought help from the Thai police just in time. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349985-south-korean-man-allegedly-tricked-into-smuggling-drugs-from-phuket-to-france/

Photo via Facebook/ Speednews ภูเก็ต by Petch Petpailin A South Korean man narrowly avoided arrest after being tricked by a foreign man in Phuket into smuggling drugs from Thailand to France. He sought help from the Thai police just in time. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea contacted officers from Thalang Police Station to investigate the luggage of 65 year old South Korean man, Park Sukhee, at a hotel in the Thalang district at around 11pm on Saturday, January 25. According to Sukhee, he checked into the hotel on January 24 and was scheduled to travel to France via Qatar Airways on Saturday. As he was preparing to leave the hotel for Phuket International Airport, he noticed that one of his bags was unusually heavy. Sukhee explained that the luggage had been given to him by a foreign man he had met in Phuket. The foreigner asked him to carry the bag to France, where someone would collect it. Growing suspicious of the bag’s contents, Sukhee sought assistance from the embassy and Thai police. Upon inspecting the luggage, officers discovered two tightly taped paper bags weighing approximately five kilogrammes. Further investigation revealed that the bags contained heroin. One bag weighed 3.8 kilogrammes, while the other weighed 2.8 kilogrammes. Photo via Facebook/ Speednews ภูเก็ต The drugs were confiscated, and police announced plans to review CCTV footage from the hotel to identify the person responsible for the illegal items. The connection between the suspect and the South Korean man, along with the reasons why Sukhee agreed to transport the items to France has not been disclosed by police. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27

Teen arrested for opening fire in a motorcycle sale gone wrong by Ryan Turner Photo via KhaoSod A teen was arrested for attempted murder and stealing a motorcycle after a sale gone wrong. The incident occurred on January 22 when the suspect, 19 year old Kittinan, and four accomplices orchestrated a motorcycle sale, which ended in violence. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349974-teen-arrested-for-opening-fire-in-a-motorcycle-sale-gone-wrong/

Photo via KhaoSod by Ryan Turner A teen was arrested for attempted murder and stealing a motorcycle after a sale gone wrong. The incident occurred on January 22 when the suspect, 19 year old Kittinan, and four accomplices orchestrated a motorcycle sale, which ended in violence. Yesterday, January 26, Police Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom and other senior officers ordered the arrest of Kittinan, wanted under a Thonburi Criminal Court warrant dated January 24. He was captured near Wat Pak Nam Fang Tai in Bangkok’s Phasi Charoen district after injuring a man and fleeing with the motorcycle. The incident unfolded at 6.57pm on January 22. The victim, a hired driver, was tasked to collect a motorcycle purchased from Kittinan’s group. They arranged the exchange at Wat Maprao Tia in Bangkok’s Phasi Charoen district. After the buyer transferred the payment, the victim began to load the motorcycle onto a pickup truck. However, Kittinan’s group resisted, leading to a confrontation. During the confrontation, a gunshot was fired, hitting the victim in the abdomen. Luckily, the injured party managed to flee and was later taken to Siriraj Hospital. Meanwhile, Kittinan and his accomplices escaped on motorcycles. Following investigations, police tracked Kittinan, locating his whereabouts at Wat Pak Nam Fang Thai, where they successfully detained him. He confessed to the shooting during questioning at Bang Sao Thong police station and was subsequently charged with attempted murder and firearm offences, reported KhaoSod. Photo via KhaoSod In similar motorcycle theft news, a patrol unit from Phetkasem apprehended a 37 year old man for motorcycle theft, catching him in the act as he attempted to swap out the licence plate of the stolen motorcycle. The arrest occurred yesterday, January 12 at 3pm, in the Lak Song subdistrict, Bang Khae district, Bangkok. In other shooting news, Royal Thai Police (RTP) apprehended a group of youths involved in shooting a firearm along a road in Pathum Thani and posting the incident on social media. The suspects confessed to buying the gun through a messaging app. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-27

Bangkok governor Under Pressure to Enforce Demolition of Aetas Condo File photo. Bangkok's governor is under renewed pressure to act on a decade-old court order mandating the demolition of the Aetas condo in Pathumwan district. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349964-bangkok governor-under-pressure-to-enforce-demolition-of-aetas-condo/

File photo. Bangkok's governor is under renewed pressure to act on a decade-old court order mandating the demolition of the Aetas condo in Pathumwan district. This push comes after former senator Rosana Tositrakul urged Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to enforce the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling from ten years ago, which declared the building in violation of the Building Control Act. In a recent Facebook post, Ms Rosana emphasised the urgency of the situation, warning that Mr Chadchart might face accusations of dereliction of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code should he neglect to carry out the demolition. The 21-storey condominium on Soi Ruamrudee, constructed on a narrow street under 10 metres wide, has been a point of contention and concern for local residents since its inception. The opposition to the Aetas project began as far back as 2005, led by local residents and community leader Dr Songkram Supcharoen, who collectively challenged the Pathumwan district office's initial approval. Their efforts culminated in a lawsuit supported by the Foundation for Consumers, which they filed with the Central Administrative Court in 2008. The court's decision in 2012 mandated the building's demolition within 60 days, citing its violation of the Building Control Act. Despite an appeal from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Supreme Administrative Court upheld this order in October 2014, confirming that both the former Pathumwan district director and Bangkok governor were responsible for executing the demolition within a specified timeframe. However, the structure still stands, untouched by the order, over a decade later. This inaction has been a source of frustration and concern for the local community, which sees the lack of enforcement as a disregard for the rule of law. Recently, a forum by the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) brought renewed attention to this issue. Dr Songkram highlighted a past incident in Soi Ruamrudee, where a narrow alley impeded firefighters from reaching a hotel engulfed in flames, resulting in the death of a foreign guest. He cautioned that without action, similar tragedies could occur if unregulated construction on narrow roads continues. The call for Governor Chadchart to act is not just about compliance with a court order but also a broader plea for urban safety and adherence to building regulations. As the situation remains unresolved, residents and civic bodies alike await decisive action, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-27