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Former Boxer Holds Two Doctors Hostage Before Escaping Picture courtesy: Daily News On October 3, a tense situation unfolded in Soi Inthamara 29, when a former Thai boxer took two doctors and a woman hostage in a residential home. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339799-former-boxer-holds-two-doctors-hostage-before-escaping/

Picture courtesy: Daily News On October 3, a tense situation unfolded in Bangkok's Soi Inthamara 29, when a former Thai boxer took two doctors and a woman hostage in a residential home. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Santith, was already wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Tao Pun Police Station for various charges, including nighttime burglary and property damage. The events began when police were executing a plan to arrest Santith in Soi Inthamara 29, near the location of his last known whereabouts. As officers closed in on him, he opened fire to create a distraction, allowing him to escape and evade capture. He jumped over a wall and entered a home at number 274/1, where he took three people hostage—two men and a woman. Fortunately, the woman managed to escape early in the ordeal. Following the hostage situation, the Tao Pun police coordinated with the Bang Sue police and the special operations unit, known as the Hanuman team, to surround the house. Officers attempted to negotiate Santith's surrender while utilizing drones to monitor the area from above. Investigators revealed that Santith, also known by his boxing name "Ritthidet," had a past as a professional boxer and had worked as a trainer. His penchant for firearms raised concerns among authorities about his willingness to resort to violence. Later that evening, police officials including Acting Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet, Metropolitan Police Commander Thiti Saengsawang, and various other high-ranking officers arrived at the scene to oversee the situation. Around 12:30 AM on October 4, Acting Police Chief Kittirat announced that they had successfully rescued the two doctors held hostage. The doctors, named Dr. Mak, aged 30, and Dr. Chang, aged 31, are siblings and both unharmed during the incident. The woman who had previously escaped was also found to be safe. Despite the successful rescue, Santith managed to flee from the back of the house. As of now, police are actively pursuing leads on his escape route, employing tactical strategies to apprehend him. Authorities assured the public that they were prepared to capture him and bring him to justice. Observations indicated that Santith did not intend to harm anyone; his primary goal appeared to be evading police capture. The entire ordeal has raised concerns about public safety in the area, prompting police to enhance their patrols and investigate any potential connections Santith may have with organized crime. Officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged residents to report any suspicious activities. As the manhunt continues, police remain optimistic about capturing Santith. They believe that their investigative tactics and increased police presence in the area will soon lead to his apprehension. The community is relieved that the hostages are safe, but they continue to grapple with the implications of such a dangerous incident occurring so close to home, reported Daily News. In conclusion, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of crime and the constant need for law enforcement vigilance. The police's swift actions ensured the safety of the hostages, and they are committed to bringing the suspect to justice as soon as possible. -- 2024-10-04

Bus Companies Lament Over Suspension of School Field Trips Screenshot - for reference only Tour bus companies across the nation are facing challenging times following a government directive halting school field trips. This decision came after a devastating bus fire in Pathum Thani on Tuesday, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 20 students and three teachers. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339793-bus-companies-lament-over-suspension-of-school-field-trips/

Screenshot - for reference only Tour bus companies across the nation are facing challenging times following a government directive halting school field trips. This decision came after a devastating bus fire in Pathum Thani on Tuesday, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 20 students and three teachers. The Ministry of Education has ordered the temporary suspension for safety evaluations, putting a significant dent in the operations of many tour bus firms. Bus operators like Thawatchai Wongwanitkanwarn from Nakhon Ratchasima insist they adhere to strict safety protocols, regularly inspecting buses and ensuring drivers and vehicles meet the necessary standards. Yet, the blanket suspension has hit their businesses hard. Thawatchai’s fleet consists mainly of double-decker diesel buses, generally used for state agencies and private tours rather than school trips. Other operators, however, rely heavily on providing transportation for schools. The suspension, they argue, affects their single-decker buses used specifically for student outings. The tragedy involved a severely modified bus more than 50 years old, with improperly installed gas tanks, leading to its operator's licence being suspended. In response, the government announced stricter safety regulations and broader inspections of gas-powered buses nationwide. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob has enacted a moratorium on school field outings as officials reassess safety practices. With plans already disrupted after the pandemic, tour bus operators now face another setback, reducing their recovery efforts. Passenger numbers have clawed back to only half of what they were before Covid, adding pressure on an already stressed industry. Chamroon Wannapas, owner of Ae Transport in Khon Kaen, noted that about 80% of his contracts were cancelled after the fire, with school customers the most affected. Bus hire fees typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 baht daily, but with cancellations mounting, many operators share Chamroon’s empathetic understanding, offering condolences to the grieving families while hoping for clarity on when services might resume, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2024-10-04

Bangkok Will Not Flood, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Assures Picture courtesy: Thai Rath Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has assured residents of Bangkok that fears of flooding are unfounded, emphasising that current rainwater levels are significantly lower compared to the devastating 2011 floods. On Wednesday, Ms. Paetongtarn reviewed the water situation at the Royal Irrigation Department in Nonthaburi. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339790-bangkok-will-not-flood-pm-paetongtarn-shinawatra-assures/

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has assured residents of Bangkok that fears of flooding are unfounded, emphasising that current rainwater levels are significantly lower compared to the devastating 2011 floods. On Wednesday, Ms. Paetongtarn reviewed the water situation at the Royal Irrigation Department in Nonthaburi. In 2011, Thailand faced the fury of five storms and saw a rainfall increase of over 25% beyond the average. In contrast, this year's figures show only a 2% rise above usual rainfall levels, and just one storm has struck. Major reservoirs still have room to retain water, unlike in 2011 when they reached capacity, forcing massive water releases. "For those concerned about potential flooding in Bangkok, there is no need to worry. Bangkok will not be flooded," assured Ms. Paetongtarn. Currently, rainfall in northern areas is contributing to water flow from the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan rivers into the Chao Phraya River. The Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat is releasing water at 1,899 cubic metres per second, a rate comfortably managed by current infrastructure. The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring at the Bang Sai station to ensure flow rates remain under 3,000 cubic metres per second in Ayutthaya. Local authorities are prepared, deploying drainage and pumping efforts to direct water efficiently to the Gulf of Thailand, managing a daily capacity of about 164 million cubic metres, reported Bangkok Post. Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department forecasts mixed weather, with possible storms and rainfall due to a cold front from China, affecting Bangkok, among other regions. Meanwhile, Jirayu Houngsub, a disaster relief spokesman, warned of potential overflow along Chiang Rai's Kok River due to expected heavy rains, potentially impacting 147 square kilometres across six districts. Picture courtesy: Thai Rath -- 2024-10-04

Thailand Ranks 28th Among the World's Best Countries Picture courtesy: FREEPIK Thailand has climbed to 28th place in the 2024 "Best Countries in the World" ranking by US News & World Report, marking a one-spot improvement from the previous year. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339789-thailand-ranks-28th-among-the-worlds-best-countries/

Thailand has climbed to 28th place in the 2024 "Best Countries in the World" ranking by US News & World Report, marking a one-spot improvement from the previous year. The ranking, developed by US News & World Report in partnership with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and global communications firm WPP, is based on insights from approximately 17,000 respondents across 89 countries, gathered between March and May. This global assessment evaluates various factors, including cultural heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, quality of life, and business friendliness. It also considers social progress, soft power, and potential for future growth. Switzerland claimed the top spot with a perfect score of 100, followed by Japan in second place and the United States in third. The top ten also included Canada, Australia, and several European nations, reflecting their strong economies and high living standards. In Southeast Asia, Thailand leads in 28th place, outperforming regional neighbors like Malaysia at 38th and Indonesia at 41st. Singapore, however, holds the highest regional rank at 14th. The report highlights Thailand’s strong agricultural base, competitive manufacturing sector, and thriving tourism industry, which contributes about 7% to its GDP. Despite tourism’s supportive role in the economy, these sectors are key to the country's resilience. Thailand's steady rise in the rankings underscores its dynamic cultural heritage and growing economic potential, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and investors, reported The Nation. Picture courtesy: FREEPIK -- 2024-10-04

Tour Company Tied to Bus Fire Caught Removing CNG Tanks from Five Additional Buses Picture courtesy: MGR online In a shocking revelation, authorities have impounded five coaches belonging to Shinbutr Tour Company following a devastating incident that claimed the lives of 20 schoolchildren and three teachers. These coaches were discovered at a garage in Nakhon Ratchasima with alterations being made to their CNG systems. Amidst intense scrutiny, the Land Transport Department (LTD) has suspended the company's operating licence after mechanics were caught removing extra CNG canisters from the coaches. These actions were apparently aimed at concealing unauthorised modifications. The spotlight has intensified on safety protocols following the catastrophic fire on a double-decker coach. It is believed this tragedy was exacerbated by illegal installations of CNG canisters. The ill-fated coach was fitted with 11 canisters, significantly exceeding the six the company was permitted to install. Director-General of the LTD, Jirut Wisanjit, revealed that Shinbutr Tour had tried to circumvent inspections by not sending their buses to the LTD office as previously requested. The department located the vehicles using on-board GPS systems, finding them stationed at a private garage where attempts were made to cover up prior infractions. In response to the incident, two LTD officials responsible for vehicle inspections have been transferred, pending further investigation. Meanwhile, the coach owner, driver, and the mechanic involved in the improper installations are now subject to questioning to assess their roles in the tragedy. Shinbutr Tour Company faces mounting pressure and legal challenges following these developments, raising broader questions about enforcement of safety regulations in the public transport sector. Picture courtesy: MGR online -- 2024-10-04

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 4 October 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1339778-thailand-live-friday-4-october-2024/

Men with swords and bats storm Udon Thani children’s centre Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Two men wielding swords and baseball bats stormed a children’s development centre in Udon Thani, causing panic among teachers and children. CCTV footage captured the incident, which took place at 12.40pm yesterday, October 2, showing the men attacking each other. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339758-men-with-swords-and-bats-storm-udon-thani-children’s-centre/

Bus Owner Caught Trying to Hide Illegal Gas Cylinders After Deadly Fire Picture from responder Authorities have uncovered attempts by the company responsible for the bus fire that killed 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani, to conceal illegal modifications to other buses in its fleet. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339780-bus-owner-caught-trying-to-hide-illegal-gas-cylinders-after-deadly-fire/

Picture from responder Authorities have uncovered attempts by the company responsible for the bus fire that killed 23 students and teachers in Pathum Thani, to conceal illegal modifications to other buses in its fleet. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) revealed that additional gas cylinders were being secretly removed from five of the company's buses just days after the fatal accident. The tragic fire occurred during a school field trip when an aging bus caught fire, resulting in the deaths of 20 students and three teachers from Uthai Thani. Investigators found that the bus had been improperly converted to run on gas, with far more cylinders than legally permitted. Only six of the 11 cylinders found onboard had been certified by authorities. Following the incident, the DLT ordered the inspection of five other buses in the company's fleet. When the buses failed to show up for inspection, officials tracked them via GPS to a garage in Nakhon Ratchasima, where workers were found removing illegally installed gas cylinders. Jirut Wisanjit, director-general of the DLT, said this clearly showed an intent to hide the illegal modifications. The bus involved in the fire had been in operation for over 50 years and had undergone several unauthorized modifications, which likely contributed to the accident. Police forensic teams confirmed that a gas leak occurred before the fire, though the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Meanwhile, the company's license has been suspended pending further inquiries. -- 2024-10-04

Composite image by ASEAN NOW Thai visa agencies offer hassle-free DTV applications Visa agencies in Thailand are stepping in to simplify the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) application process, helping applicants navigate the often complex bureaucracy of Thai embassies. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339777-thai-visa-agencies-offer-hassle-free-dtv-applications/

Composite image by ASEAN NOW Visa agencies in Thailand are stepping in to simplify the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) application process, helping applicants navigate the often complex bureaucracy of Thai embassies. Since the DTV’s launch in July, it has attracted interest from digital nomads and expatriates, but inconsistent requirements at different embassies have created confusion. Key issues include conflicting rules about cash bonds, proof of remote work for international clients, and qualifications for 'soft-power' applicants. These inconsistencies have led to delays and rejections, prompting visa agencies to offer streamlined services to smooth the process. Many agencies now provide comprehensive packages that include visa runs to nearby countries, document preparation, and assistance with travel and accommodation. Heavily marketed on social media platforms like Facebook, these packages range from 75,000 to 150,000 baht (£1,700 to £3,400), depending on the level of support, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail. Agencies also pre-screen applicants to ensure they meet DTV requirements, making the process more efficient. Initially, it was believed that applicants had to submit DTV applications from their home or employment country, but this has since changed. Applicants can now apply from any country, broadening opportunities for those in the service industry. Embassy processing times vary, with some, like the informal consulate in Taipei, offering same-day services, while others in Europe and the U.S. may take several weeks. The average processing time is about a week, with faster service available for higher fees. As long as regulations remain stable, Thailand's visa agencies are expected to continue thriving in this growing market, offering essential support to applicants navigating Thailand's complex immigration system. -- 2024-10-04

Paetongtarn Shinawatra Named in TIME100 Next Influential List Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives for a group photo at the government house before taking oath in front of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's Prime Minister, has been celebrated in the latest TIME100 Next list. Recognising rising leaders and influential figures globally, the list highlights Paetongtarn's growing impact on the political landscape. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339721-paetongtarn-shinawatra-named-in-time100-next-influential-list/

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrives for a group photo at the government house before taking oath in front of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand's Prime Minister, has been celebrated in the latest TIME100 Next list. Recognising rising leaders and influential figures globally, the list highlights Paetongtarn's growing impact on the political landscape. As the youngest daughter of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn has emerged as a vital voice within Thailand and beyond. Her political journey is deeply rooted in a family legacy that has significantly shaped Thailand's modern political climate. Paetongtarn is part of the Shinawatra family, known for their significant political and economic influence. Her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, was a dominant figure in Thai politics, elected Prime Minister in 2001 before being ousted in 2006. Despite the challenges faced by her family, including political upheavals and judicial interventions, Paetongtarn has forged her own path in politics. Earlier this year, Paetongtarn was thrust into the international spotlight when she became Thailand’s Prime Minister. Her leadership marked a significant milestone, as she stood as Asia's youngest-ever female leader. This appointment coincided with significant political tensions within Thailand, following the controversial dismissal of a Pheu Thai Party colleague by the Constitutional Court. Paetongtarn is tasked with the significant challenge of navigating a complex political environment, staying true to the call for economic reform and change she has championed. Her vision for Thailand includes implementing robust economic policies while seeking to mend relations within the nation's often fractious political sphere. In an interview with TIME, Paetongtarn boldly stated, “Thailand needs change,” reflecting her commitment to steering the country towards progressive transformation. Her inclusion in the TIME100 Next list underscores her potential and significance on the global stage, as she continues to inspire and lead in a rapidly evolving political era. -- 2024-10-03

Foreign couple loses 100,000 baht to Muay Thai trainer in Phuket by Petch Petpailin Photo via Top News A foreign couple exposed the fraudulent behaviour of a Muay Thai trainer and his Chinese wife in Phuket, who tricked them into a visa scam, resulting in a 100,000 baht loss. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339717-foreign-couple-loses-100000-baht-to-muay-thai-trainer-in-phuket/

A foreign couple exposed the fraudulent behaviour of a Muay Thai trainer and his Chinese wife in Phuket, who tricked them into a visa scam, resulting in a 100,000 baht loss. The 29 year old Czech victim, Vit Musilik, and his 26 year old Chinese wife, Xiao Feng Kang, urged officers from the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) to help them retrieve the 100,000 baht from the owner and trainer of a Muay Thai gym in Phuket. Musilik explained that his Chinese wife came across an advertisement for a Muay Thai training course in Phuket. The advertisement emphasised that the gym also offered visa renewal services to each trainee. Musilik stated that he and his wife were interested in the course because her visa was due to expire in seven months. Xiao contacted the gym through the owner’s wife, who is also a Chinese national. Following discussions, the couple visited the gym for a free trial lesson. Impressed with the training, they agreed to pay 8,000 baht per month for the course and 100,000 baht for a one-year visa. The gym owner’s wife also offered an additional three-month visa extension. Musilik said they handed over their passports to the gym owners for renewal, and the passports were returned a few days later. Although there were no new visa stamps, they did not suspect any fraud, as the gym was well-known and reputable. Many fall for scam Unfortunately, Musilik was arrested seven days later for overstaying his visa. The couple had to travel to Malaysia to obtain an emergency visa extension and, upon returning to Thailand, confronted the gym owners to request a refund. According to the couple, the gym owners refused to return the money and even threatened to call the police to have them arrested. They reported the issue to Wichit Police Station and the Tourist Police, but no progress was made on the case. Musilik revealed that the gym owner’s wife later offered them a five-year tourist visa for 200,000 baht but they refused, fearing another scam. Musilik also expressed concern for the safety of his wife, who is two months pregnant, as the gym owner is a powerful figure in the province. Xiao said she was particularly saddened by being scammed by a fellow Chinese national. Musilik claimed that many others had fallen victim to this Thai-Chinese couple, who had managed to evade arrest and charges due to their influence in the area. Police officers recorded the couple’s complaint and stated they would coordinate with Wichit Police Station for further legal proceedings. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Top News Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-03

Cat’s out of the bag: Tomboy’s stolen car ride ends in Bangkok arrest (video) by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 3 Police swooped in yesterday to arrest a Thai tomboy struggling with mental health issues in a car park at an apartment in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok after she stole a car, complete with a pet cat inside, from a shopping mall in the Ratchada area. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339711-cat’s-out-of-the-bag-tomboy’s-stolen-car-ride-ends-in-bangkok-arrest-video/

Police swooped in yesterday to arrest a Thai tomboy struggling with mental health issues in a car park at an apartment in the Lat Phrao district of Bangkok after she stole a car, complete with a pet cat inside, from a shopping mall in the Ratchada area. Footage of security guards desperately trying to stop the black Honda HRV from speeding out of the car park has gone viral on Thai social media. In a dramatic twist, the car crashed into a traffic barrier but still managed to make a hasty getaway. One of the security guards told Channel 3 that he heard a woman scream for help at around 2pm yesterday, October 2. The woman shouted that her car was stolen. After seeing the black vehicle moving out of the parking area, he and other colleagues rushed to block the thief with traffic barriers but they were unsuccessful. The guard said the thief crashed into the barriers and fled the scene. The car’s broken front bumper was left behind. The car’s owner was more concerned about her cat, Morty, who was inside the stolen vehicle. The car theft was reported to officers at Huay Kwang Police Station, who checked security cameras along the road outside the mall to track down the thief. The suspect was later identified as 39 year old Thai woman Nattakan, who displayed masculine traits and was dressed in unfeminine clothing. After an eight-hour operation, police managed to arrest the tomboy thief in a car park at an apartment on Soi Nakniwas 16 in the Lat Phrao district. Morty was found frightened and hiding under the car seat. Nattakan was taken to the police station for questioning but she provided confusing information to investigating officers. Nattakan’s mother and older sister later arrived at the police station, claiming that she had a mental illness and had not received treatment. According to the family, Nattakan fled from her home in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, near Bangkok, three days before committing the crime. The police are unable to press charges against Nattakan pending a medical examination and the opinions of the medical team regarding her mental health. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Channel 3 Source: The Thaiger -- 2024-10-03

Save the Children Urges Action on Child Road Deaths in Thailand Picture courtesy: TNA-MCOT Alarming Statistics of Child Road Deaths in Thailand Save the Children Thailand has issued an urgent plea for action after revealing that one in three child deaths in Thailand are caused by road accidents. Over the past decade, more than 26,930 children have tragically died in road crashes, highlighting the severity of the problem. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339708-save-the-children-urges-action-on-child-road-deaths-in-thailand/

Alarming Statistics of Child Road Deaths in Thailand Save the Children Thailand has issued an urgent plea for action after revealing that one in three child deaths in Thailand are caused by road accidents. Over the past decade, more than 26,930 children have tragically died in road crashes, highlighting the severity of the problem. Road traffic accidents are now recognized as a leading cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29 globally, with Thailand being a particularly affected nation. This data is supported by the Global Alliance – Cities 4 Children 2023 report, which emphasizes the need for immediate intervention to address this growing crisis Call for Stronger Safety Measures In response to these alarming statistics, Save the Children Thailand has called for a stronger and more coordinated effort to tackle child road deaths. Executive Director Guillaume Rachou stressed the importance of risk assessments for children's activities, especially those that involve travel, such as school commutes and field trips. He emphasized that accidents are not just unfortunate coincidences but are often preventable through proper planning and precautionary measures. “Each activity involving children must include thorough risk checks," Mr. Rachou stated, advocating for a proactive approach to safety. Physical Measures and Emergency Preparedness Mr. Rachou also highlighted the need for concrete physical measures beyond mere safety guidelines. These include ensuring that drivers are properly qualified, vehicles are equipped with essential safety features, and that emergency response drills are conducted regularly. Such precautions, he argued, would significantly reduce the risks faced by children on the road FILE photo courtesy: Thai Rath In addition, he called for a culture of safety awareness to be instilled in schools. By teaching children their rights and protective practices, schools can foster an environment where both physical and mental safety are prioritized. This education would not only prevent road accidents but also equip children with the knowledge to avoid various other hazards. The Safe Systems Approach Central to Save the Children’s strategy is the adoption of the "Safe Systems Approach." This framework focuses on implementing high standards for vehicle safety, improving driver skills, and continuously monitoring road conditions. The Safe Systems Approach has been proven effective in reducing child road injuries, with certain developing countries seeing a 47% decrease in child-related traffic incidents after its implementation. The charity is urging Thailand to adopt this approach on a national scale to safeguard children from preventable road accidents. A Call for Collective Action Mr. Rachou emphasized that solving this issue requires collaboration from all sectors of society. “The government, parents, schools, and agencies must unite,” he said. “Only through collective effort can we ensure that child casualties on the road become a thing of the past.” Save the Children is advocating for immediate and sustained action, urging both public and private sectors to take responsibility for creating a safer environment for Thailand's youth. The organization aims to see improvements in road safety policies, better enforcement of regulations, and increased awareness campaigns that will save lives and prevent further tragedy. Conclusion The rising number of child road deaths in Thailand is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention. Save the Children's call to action serves as a crucial reminder that the safety of children on the road is a collective responsibility. By implementing comprehensive safety measures and fostering a culture of awareness, Thailand can drastically reduce child casualties and create a safer future for its young population, reported TNA-MCOT. Picture courtesy: TNA-MCOT -- 2024-10-03

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Thursday 3 October 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1339703-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-thursday-3-october-2024/

NEWS - 03-October.mp4 Police escorted five separate convoys carrying the 23 bodies of students and teachers who died in the bus fire incident to a temple in their home town of Uthai Thani. They arrived late last night where the monks performed a ceremony at around midnight. "Their Majesties the King and Queen have granted royal sponsorship for the funeral rites of the victims." The Ministry of Transport is stepping up safety proceedures for public transport to improve passenger safety following the tragic bus fire. The Prime Minister has reassured the public that Bangkok will not face flooding, as the current volume of rainfall is significantly lower than in 2011, when it was over 25% above normal. This year, the amount of rain is only 2% higher than the average." The government rejected a proposed bill by the opposition to liberalize the liquor industry, which would have allowed private alcohol distillation without permission. Instead, the house approved a stricter bill requiring people to seek government approval for distillation equipment. Across the region Taiwan effectively shut down yesterday, grounding hundreds of flights, closing schools, offices and financial markets as Typhoon Krathon made landfall with one person reported dead and torrential rain lashing the island's south. Residents in the southern city of Kaohsiung were told to stay at home. Japan A regional airport in the southwest was closed after an american bombshell, likely dropped during World War Two exploded near its runway. nearly 90 flights were cancelled. Todays Weather Chiang Mai and the north: Torrential Rain 26C degrees celsius Bangkok: Thunderstorms 32C Pattaya: cloudy Thundershowers 30C Phuket and the south: Thundershowers 29C Hua Hin: Bright, cloudy with rain likely this afternoon 30C Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Wunderground.com The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Windy.com. -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-10-03 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5