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UPDATE: Thailand braces for 42-degree heatwave and thunderstorms by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of lifeforstock, Freepik Today’s weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of scorching heat across the country, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 42 degrees Celsius. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323985-thailand-to-face-unprecedented-temperatures/?do=findComment&comment=18814387

Thailand braces for 42-degree heatwave and thunderstorms by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of lifeforstock, Freepik Today’s weather forecast from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warns of scorching heat across the country, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 42 degrees Celsius. The intense heat is accompanied by the possibility of thunderstorms and strong winds, prompting warnings for residents to avoid open spaces and be cautious of potential hazards. The sweltering heatwave is a result of a high-pressure system caused by intense heat covering the upper part of Thailand. This meteorological situation typically results in widespread hot to very hot weather, with the added risk of isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon. Residents are advised to take care of their health due to the extreme heat by avoiding outdoor activities for prolonged periods. The southern and southwesterly winds continue to sweep across the lower northeastern and eastern parts of the country, bringing thunderstorms and gusty winds to some areas. People in these regions are advised to be vigilant of the dangers posed by the storms and strong winds and to steer clear of open areas, large trees, and unstable billboards during this period. Easterly and southeasterly winds are currently blowing across the Gulf of Thailand and the south, while northwesterly winds prevail over the Andaman Sea. These conditions result in sporadic thunderstorms in the south, with dust particles and smoke haze reaching moderate to high levels in the north, the lower northeast, and the upper central regions due to the weak winds covering these areas. The weather forecast for Thailand from 6am today until 6am tomorrow indicates that the north will experience generally hot to very hot conditions with afternoon cloud cover. The lowest temperatures range from 21 to 28 degrees Celsius, with the highest expected to reach 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. Southwesterly winds will blow at speeds of 5 to 15 kilometres per hour. In the northeast, the weather is generally hot to very hot, with afternoon cloud cover and some thunderstorms with strong winds, particularly in the lower part of the region. The lowest temperatures range from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, with the highest between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius, and southwesterly winds at 10 to 15 kilometres per hour. Temperature rises The central region is experiencing similar conditions, with the lowest temperatures at 22 to 27 degrees Celsius and the highest at 39 to 42 degrees Celsius. The southwesterly winds are stronger here, blowing at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour. The east faces generally hot weather, with cloud cover in the afternoon and very hot conditions in some areas, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Temperatures range from a low of 26 to 29 degrees Celsius to a high of 34 to 40 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. Seas are expected to have waves below 1 metre, but areas with thunderstorms may experience waves higher than 1 metre. In the southern region, on the east coast, daytime weather is hot with a 10% chance of thunderstorms, mainly around Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, and Yala. The temperatures range from a low of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius to a high of 35 to 39 degrees Celsius, with southeasterly winds at 10 to 30 kilometres per hour. In the west coast southern region, Krabi, Trang, and Satun are also experiencing hot weather with a 10% chance of thunderstorms, with similar sea conditions and temperatures ranging from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius at the lowest to 35 to 38 degrees Celsius at the highest. Bangkok and the surrounding areas are generally hot, with afternoon cloud cover and some areas experiencing intense heat. The lowest temperatures are between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius, and the highest between 36 and 40 degrees Celsius, with southerly winds at 10 to 20 kilometres per hour, reported KhaoSod. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Foreign man asks netizens to weigh in on dowry conundrum by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เช่าสินสอด ทองหมั้น by Let's Marry A foreign man sought opinions from netizens after paying a 230,000 baht dowry to his Thai wife‘s family. He posed the question, “Was I stupid to agree to the dowry?” Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323979-foreigner-questions-thai-dowry-netizens-respond/?do=findComment&comment=18814368

Foreign man asks netizens to weigh in on dowry conundrum by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ เช่าสินสอด ทองหมั้น by Let's Marry A foreign man sought opinions from netizens after paying a 230,000 baht dowry to his Thai wife‘s family. He posed the question, “Was I stupid to agree to the dowry?” Around two weeks ago, the foreigner took to Reddit to share his marriage experience, asking fellow users to weigh in on whether his decision was right or wrong. His post garnered over 200 responses from netizens before the comment section closed. The foreigner disclosed that he came across various posts discussing dowry payments, with many men stating they did not pay the dowry or had it returned after the marriage ceremony. He confessed to experiencing remorse following his decision to pay 230,000 baht to his Thai wife’s family. The foreign man elaborated that he married his wife in 2022 after engaging in a four-year online dialogue. His wife, aged 47, was two years his senior and resided in Isaan with her mother and two elder sisters. She had not completed her bachelor’s degree and had been previously married. Initially, the dowry was set at 300,000 baht but was later reduced to 150,000 baht in cash and 80,000 baht in gold. He agreed to pay this amount and never saw his money again. The man expressed ignorance regarding the expenditure of the money, yet observed purchases of a new tablet, mobile phone, and motorcycle by his wife’s family members and relatives. He harboured suspicions that his funds were invested in these items. The foreigner conveyed his respect for Thai marriage customs, acknowledging that the worth of an individual transcended any material possessions. Nevertheless, he remained contemplative about the wisdom of his decision. Dowry complications Most of the Reddit users suspected that the man might not have a happy married life, prompting him to regret the payment. Some argued that a woman with a history of marriage and divorce should not request a dowry. Others criticised the man’s decision to marry someone he had only known online for four years. Some accused women from the Isaan provinces of seeking foreign husbands only for money. An American man raised a similar issue in September last year when his girlfriend’s parents demanded a million baht dowry. Advice among netizens varied, with some suggesting that he should agree to the dowry to prove his ability to support his girlfriend. Others warned against the high demand, seeing it as a red flag. The issue of marriage ceremonies and dowries is also controversial among Thais. Some couples see ceremonies as unnecessary, some have them to please their parents and relatives, and others dream of having a perfect and happy ceremony once in their lives. Dowry management varies from family to family, with some parents keeping the entire amount, some sharing it with the couple, and some returning it after the ceremony. Some couples avoid marriage altogether to avoid the complications of dowry. The issue of dowry is also giving rise to a new business model, dowry for rent, which allows couples to rent cash, gold and other valuable items to display at their weddings. Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Yingluck Being Named UN Special Envoy For Myanmar Could Be April Fools’ Day Prank By Thai Newsroom Reporters Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, left, and former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, right. Photo: Thai Rath DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER-cum-Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said Tuesday (Apr. 2) unconfirmed hearsay of deposed Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra being named a special envoy for Myanmar attached to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Office might only be an April Fools’ Day prank. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323998-yingluck-being-named-un-special-envoy-for-myanmar-could-be-april-fools’-day-prank/

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER-cum-Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara said Tuesday (Apr. 2) unconfirmed hearsay of deposed Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra being named a special envoy for Myanmar attached to the United Nations Secretary-General’s Office might only be an April Fools’ Day prank. Parnpree was responding to a news report published yesterday – April Fools’ Day – by Irrawaddy news website that Yingluck has been named a UN special envoy for Myanmar though the deposed Thai woman prime minister herself has not been aware of it. He said the questionable news report is yet to be officially confirmed by the UN Secretary General’s Office and doubted it would be found to be truthful. According to the Pheu Thai-attached deputy prime minister-cum-foreign minister, the Yingluck story, albeit unconfirmed for the time being, would almost certainly lie beyond Bangkok’s diplomatic concerns and by no means involve Thailand as a whole since the deposed prime minister is by no means part of the current Pheu Thai-led government. Myanmar government spokesperson Zaw Min Tun was quoted by the Chiang Mai-based news website as saying he would welcome the unconfirmed rumours of Yingluck being named a UN special envoy for Myanmar as “great news” for the junta-ruled Naypyidaw. By Thai Newsroom Reporters TOP: Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, left, and former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, right. Photo: Thai Rath Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

WWII Tunnels Not A New Find, Says Author by TNR Staff Ms. Lynette Silver outside the tunnel. THE AUTHOR of a book entitled “At War With My Father” disputes that the mysterious tunnel which residents of Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district said over the weekend they discovered, believed to have been built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers during World War II, is a new find as it had been discovered 14 years earlier. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323997-wwii-tunnels-not-a-new-find-says-author/

THE AUTHOR of a book entitled “At War With My Father” disputes that the mysterious tunnel which residents of Kanchanaburi’s Sangkhla Buri district said over the weekend they discovered, believed to have been built by Allied prisoners of war and forced labourers during World War II, is a new find as it had been discovered 14 years earlier. Ms. Lynette Silver, the author of this book, sent ThaiNewsroom.com an email with the following details about this and other historic tunnels built with great suffering by the POWs and forced labourers when they constructed the Death Railway at the orders of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II: “I am a military historian living in Australia. The tunnel that is featured on your website was found 14 years ago, at the urging of the daughter of one of the Australian prisoners of war who was involved in the construction. “In 2010, using clues supplied by the late Mrs. Dianne Elliott from records kept by her father, Sergeant Fred Howe, along with information obtained from a local farmer, the Thai Burma Railway Centre in Kanchanaburi went to the area and discovered the tunnel opposite the site of the Songkuri POW Camp. by TNR Staff Ms. Lynette Silver outside the tunnel. Full story: THAI NEWSROOM 2024-04-03 RELATED TOPIC: Mysterious Tunnel Found In Kanchanaburi, Likely Built During WWII https://aseannow.com/topic/1323745-mysterious-tunnel-found-in-kanchanaburi-likely-built-during-wwii/ - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai govt considers sanctions against Bangkok monorail operators by Mitch Connor Picture of Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit courtesy of Bangkok Post The Thai government is currently mulling over the enforcement of contractual remedies against Northern Bangkok Monorail and Eastern Bangkok Monorail, the operators of the city’s Pink and Yellow lines respectively. This move follows a series of incidents that have raised concerns over the safety standards of the monorail lines. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323991-thai-govt-considers-sanctions-against-bangkok-monorail-operators/

The Thai government is currently mulling over the enforcement of contractual remedies against Northern Bangkok Monorail and Eastern Bangkok Monorail, the operators of the city’s Pink and Yellow lines respectively. This move follows a series of incidents that have raised concerns over the safety standards of the monorail lines. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Transport Minister, pointed out that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has the contractual power to impose a fine amounting to 5% of the annual construction cost instalment payable to the concessionaires. This right can be exercised if the operators fail the performance assessment scheduled for the coming three months. A failure could also lead to a suspension of the annual instalment payments. Last week, two incidents involving the monorail lines raised questions about the overall safety and construction quality of the system. The Yellow Line’s services had to be momentarily suspended after metal fragments fell from the tracks, causing damage to several road vehicles. A couple of days later, concrete from the Pink Line’s elevated tracks construction site tumbled down, damaging a car and injuring its passenger. This isn’t the first time these monorail lines have been under scrutiny for safety. On January 2, a tyre from a Yellow Line train dislodged, damaging a taxi underneath. This incident followed another from the previous week, where a section of the Pink Line’s conductor rail broke free, damaging parked cars along Tiwanon Road in Nonthaburi. Eastern Bangkok Monorail, the operator of the Yellow Line launched in July of the previous year, is slated to receive US$25.05 billion in construction costs from the state. These costs are divided into ten annual instalments of US$2.5 billion. Similarly, Northern Bangkok Monorail, the operator of the Pink Line that opened on January 3rd, is set to receive US$22.5 billion in construction costs divided into ten annual instalments of US$2.25 billion. The transport minister also mentioned the soon-to-be-implemented rail transport law, which will empower the Department of Rail Transport with greater authority to regulate safety measures and practices across all rail operators. by Mitch Connor Picture of Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit courtesy of Bangkok Post Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Car bursts into flames in Thailand from dry tissues and toothpicks by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod A car parked under the scorching Thai sun burst into flames, nearly burning the entire vehicle due to the presence of dry tissues and toothpicks. The incident, which serves as a stark warning about the dangers of leaving combustible materials in a car exposed to intense heat, occurred at noon today, April 2. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323988-car-bursts-into-flames-in-thailand-from-dry-tissues-and-toothpicks/

A car parked under the scorching Thai sun burst into flames, nearly burning the entire vehicle due to the presence of dry tissues and toothpicks. The incident, which serves as a stark warning about the dangers of leaving combustible materials in a car exposed to intense heat, occurred at noon today, April 2. The vehicle’s owner revealed the harrowing moments and the origin of the fire, advising others to remove similar items from their cars to prevent such incidents. The owner, Tawan Sapklin, shared that his usual routine involved parking his car in a residential alley and then commuting to work by motorcycle. On this fateful day, he received a call from his mother at noon, informing him that his car was ablaze. Rushing back home, he found that the firefighters from Ratburana Station had already extinguished the fire. Upon inspection, the origin of the fire was traced back to the rear seat where he had stored dry tissues and toothpicks. Sun speculated that the combination of the extreme heat from the previous day and the sunlight refracting through the rear window had ignited the flammable items. Fortunately, the proximity of Tawan’s parking spot to the fire station allowed for swift action by the fire service, preventing the fire from destroying the car. Tawan estimated the damage to be around 20,000 baht and plans to have his car thoroughly inspected and the seats replaced. He urged everyone to be cautious when parking in the sun and to ensure flammable items, like tissues and toothpicks, are not left inside the vehicle to avoid similar dangers. In January this year, a Thai driver transporting aluminium phosphate, commonly used to eliminate agricultural pests, found himself in a precarious situation when his vehicle caught fire. The incident unfolded in Soi Porn Sawang 7, Samrong Nua Subdistrict, Samut Prakan. A rapid response by local fire crews and the Ruamkatanyu Foundation contained the situation, preventing a potential disaster. by Nattapong Westwood Picture courtesy of KhaoSod Source: The Thaiger 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand to Face Unprecedented Temperatures by Krajangwit Johjit BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a major increase in temperatures across Thailand this April, with an alert for extreme heat that could see the mercury rising to between 43.0-44.5 degrees Celsius. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323985-thailand-to-face-unprecedented-temperatures/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has forecasted a major increase in temperatures across Thailand this April, with an alert for extreme heat that could see the mercury rising to between 43.0-44.5 degrees Celsius. In the coming week (Apr 7-14), the northeastern and eastern regions are expected to experience the brunt of this heatwave, with temperatures predicted to hover between 41-43°C. This surge in temperature is attributed to prevailing low-pressure areas coupled with scarce rainfall, amplifying the heat across these parts of the country. The TMD anticipates several instances of summer storms, including potential hailstorms, from April 8 to 10, triggered by an incoming cold front from upper Vietnam. While the southern region may also witness thunderstorms, the weather conditions will remain generally conducive for tourism activities. Such sporadic storms are expected to provide temporary relief from the relentless heat experienced in the early part of the month. For the duration of April, the TMD said average temperatures are predicted to be around 30% higher than the norm, especially in the North, Northeast, and the upper areas of the Central Plains and the East. Despite the possibility of summer storms brought on by southerly and southeasterly winds offering sporadic cooling, the overall temperature trend for the month anticipates higher-than-usual heat levels across Thailand. by Krajangwit Johjit Source: NNT 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

NATIONAL NEWS from Surf 102.5 FM - Wednesday 3 April 2024 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323984-national-news-from-surf-1025-fm-wednesday-3-april-2024/

Deputy National Police Surachate Hakparn, arrived at a police station in bangkok for questioning last night in resp0nse to a summons issued by the criminal court. he had failed to respond to three previous summonses for money laundering related to online gambling. The questioning process took over an hour. Speaking to reporters he said as long as the court has not given a verdict, he is still considered innocent. The government is considering imposing fines on the operator of the bangkok monorail following several incidents where bolts had fallen to the ground. The company also operated the Pink and Yellow line train services. Fines could total 5% of the annual installments for construction cost which it has to pay the concessionaires. Thailands deputy finance minister says government will review a proposal to legalise casinos within the next 2 week, they are likely to be within entertainment complexes. Some ministers have expressed support for the proposal saying it would reduce underground gambling, the Primeminster would most likely set up a panel to oversea development. The government has it’s eye on Macao which generates overe 400 billion baht a year and Singapore around 70 billion from their casinos. The UK and Thailand are to sign two MOU’s will be signed between Thailand and The U.K within the next three months with the aim to boost scientific education and research and also enhance English language skills, so that English becomes a life skill.. Around the region Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden spoke by phone yesterday for the first time in 2 years. The Two leaders described as holding ‘a candid and in-depth exchange of views’ on topics ranging from counter-narcotics cooperation to climate change But president Xi criticised Biden’s stream of measures to suppress China’s economy, trade, science and technology’ WEATHER Chiang Mai and the north: Sunny 41C Bangkok: sunny 38C Pattaya: Sunny 35C Phuket and the south: partly cloudy isolated showers 33C Hua Hin: Sunny, winds light from the south 35 C AQI Orange High, Green clear, yellow moderate, Orange High, Red unhealthy. Credits: Bangkok Post, The Nation, Asean Now, Khaosod English, Hua Hin Today, Royal Coast Review, Kulsawek Sawekwannakorn, Thainewsroom.com, The Pattaya News, Phuket News, Channel News Asia, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times. The Irrawaddy. Windy.com. Wunderground.com -- SURF 102.5 FM 2024-04-03 Listen Live: Surf 102.5 Facebook: Surf 102.5 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Illegal Russian Tour Guide Arrested in Thalang By Goongnang Suksawat Thalang – An illegal Russian tour guide was arrested in Maikhao sub-district on Tuesday (April 2nd). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323981-illegal-russian-tour-guide-arrested-in-thalang/

Thalang – An illegal Russian tour guide was arrested in Maikhao sub-district on Tuesday (April 2nd). The Phuket Tourist Police told the Phuket Express that at 8:00 A.M. they arrested a suspect identified only as MR. ANDREI, 42, Russian national. He was arrested at a pier near the local beach called Pak Phra Beach in the Mai Khao sub-district, Thalang. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two British Nationals Arrested for Illegally Working at Nightclub in Krabi By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Naewna Krabi – A British man and a British woman were arrested at a night club in Ao Nang, Krabi on Tuesday (April 2nd) after they were found working illegally. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323980-two-british-nationals-arrested-for-illegally-working-at-nightclub-in-krabi/

Krabi – A British man and a British woman were arrested at a night club in Ao Nang, Krabi on Tuesday (April 2nd) after they were found working illegally. Krabi Immigration told the Phuket Express that they inspected a night club in the Ao Nang sub-district in Krabi City. They found two foreigners were working at the night club. 1.Miss KAREN, 37, British national, was working as an MC. Mr. Gareth, 45, British national was working as a DJ. Both of them were unable to present legal work permits. By Goongnang Suksawat PHOTO: Naewna Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreigner Questions Thai Dowry: Netizens Respond A foreign man, feeling perplexed, posted on Reddit's R/Thailand, asking, "Am I stupid to pay a dowry to my Thai wife? Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323979-foreigner-questions-thai-dowry-netizens-respond/

A foreign man, feeling perplexed, posted online, asking, "Am I stupid to pay a dowry to my Thai wife? After getting married, I never saw the money again. And less than a week after the wedding, both my wife's grandchildren received new iPhones and iPads." Married in 2023 to his 47-year-old wife from Isaan, after four years of online courtship, he agreed to pay 300,000 THB but was later negotiated down to 150,000 baht and 80,000 baht worth of gold, reported Daily News. Netizens weighed in, some sympathizing, others suggesting cultural understanding. One commented, "It depends, we Japanese husbands understand dowries. I gave my father-in-law the entire dowry without asking how it would be used." Another advised, "He's not stupid, just forgetful. Nowadays, he must explain to his wife's side that some families don't require dowries." The story sparked a debate about cultural norms and modern expectations, resonating with many facing similar dilemmas. -- ASEAN NOW 2024-04-03 - Discover how Cigna Insurance can protect you with a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment. For more information on expat health insurance click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

16-Year-Old Boy Killed, His 12-Year-Old Brother Survives Accident While Riding a Motorbike to Visit Their Mom in Pattaya By Aim Tanakorn PHOTO: Thairath Online Pattaya —A 16-year-old boy was killed while his 12-year-old brother was injured when their motorbike crashed into a trailer truck in Pattaya on Tuesday afternoon, April 2nd, 2024. The two brothers were travelling to Pattaya to visit their mom, according to the surviving boy. Full sttory: https://aseannow.com/topic/1323977-16-year-old-boy-killed-his-12-year-old-brother-survives-motorbike-accident/