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Police arrested a Thai man for fatally stabbing a 16 year old boy in the central province of Suphan Buri. Another suspect is still at large. Officers at U Thong Police Station in the U Thong district of Suphan Buri received a report of the stabbing on the evening of Saturday, February 17. Officers rushed to the scene and discovered a dark blue motorcycle and black Honda Wave, covered in blood and a group of the victim’s friends. The rescuers took the victim, later identified as 16 year old Chalermchai Muang-im, to U Thong Hospital, but he died on the way. The rescue team reported that he was stabbed on the left side of his chest. Chalermchai’s friends, aged between 12 and 15, told police that two attackers fled on a motorcycle, a white Honda Wave, after the stabbing. The friends said the conflict started after one of them looked at the two attackers as they rode past on a motorcycle. According to the deceased’s friends, the two attackers approached them and asked why they were looking at them. Chalermchai, as the oldest member of the group, tried to protect the friends. “My friends are just young children. It was nothing.” This seemed to make the attackers angrier and they set about attacking Chalermchai and his friends. Then one of the attackers pulled out a knife and tried to stab a 12 year old boy but he managed to avoid the attack. The attacker then changed targets and stabbed Chalermchai before fleeing the scene. Chalermchai’s friends revealed that they had never met the attackers before and had no previous conflict with them. Officers managed to arrest one of the suspects, 26 year old Chaiyana, yesterday, February 18. Chaiyana claimed that he rode the motorcycle and that his friend named Jade was the attacker. Jade is now on the run but an officer said they were confident they would arrest him soon. Channel 3 reported that Chaiyana and Jade have a history of substance use and this might have played a role in the attack. However, police have not yet confirmed this information. by Petch Petpailin Photo via Facebook/ ข่าววันนี้ Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Delays to key infrastructure projects in EEC discourage foreign investors Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province. (Photo by EEC) Foreign investors are reluctant to invest in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) because of delays in some major infrastructure projects, among them the high-speed train linking U-Tapao, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and government sources. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320294-delays-to-key-infrastructure-projects-in-eec-discourage-foreign-investors/

Foreign investors are reluctant to invest in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) because of delays in some major infrastructure projects, among them the high-speed train linking U-Tapao, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and government sources. The high-speed train project has been delayed for four years, since the signing of the contract between the SRT and Asia Era One Company on October 24th, 2019. Recently, Asia Era One was given until May 22nd to seek investment promotional privileges from the Board of Investment (BoI), so the SRT can issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) with project implementation. Asia Era One, formerly known as the Eastern High Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Company, is a joint venture between Charoen Pokphand Holdings, which holds a 60% stake in the company, and Bangkok Express Metro, China Railway Construction Corporation, Italian-Thai Development Corporation and CH Karnchang Company, each of which holds 10%. Picture: Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province. (Photo by EEC) Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin sparks online debates for being released on parole by Petch Petpailin Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, was released on parole following six months in hospital. He returned to his home, Ban Chan Song La, in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok yesterday, February 18. His parole sparked an online debate regarding his privilege and issues of inequality. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320292-thaksin-sparks-online-debates-for-being-released-on-parole/

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, was released on parole following six months in hospital. He returned to his home, Ban Chan Song La, in the Bang Phlat district of Bangkok yesterday, February 18. His parole sparked an online debate regarding his privilege and issues of inequality. Thaksin arrived in Thailand on August 22 last year after 15 years of exile. He was immediately escorted to the Supreme Court where they sentenced the former Thai PM to eight years in prison according to three charges. However, he received a royal pardon, reducing his imprisonment to one year. The 74 year old former PM was then taken to the Bangkok Remand Prison that day. He was in jail for a few hours before being transferred to the Police General Hospital at midnight due to a congenital disease. Thaksin remained in hospital for almost six months before his release on parole. The Department of Corrections stated that Thaksin met specific criteria, including being an inmate over 70 years old, having chronic illnesses, and completing one-third of his sentence. His six-month stay at the hospital was considered one-third of his one-year imprisonment. Thaksin’s family collected him from the hospital, where he was seen sporting dark blue shorts and a short-sleeved shirt, complete with neck collars and a cast on his right arm. Upon reaching Ban Chan Song La, his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a former PM candidate from the Pheu Thai Party, posted a picture of her father by the pool. “After 180 days without fresh air and sunlight and 17 years away from this home, my father sat outside the house like this. He sat there for quite a long time. #FinallyHome” Online criticism While several Thai politicians and political activists congratulated Thaksin’s release, many netizens sparked a debate on his release making the hashtag #Thaksin at the top of Thai Twitter. Some netizens questioned the severity of Thaksin’s health condition, arguing that he appeared healthy enough to remain in prison like other inmates. Observers noted that Thaksin looked more than well, even having the time to cover his grey hair compared to other old prisoners who usually leave jail with grey hair. Others demanded the Corrections Department to ensure justice and equality for other inmates who did not meet the same specific criteria as Thaksin. The Move Forward Party (MFP) also expressed its stance on Thaksin’s release in an official announcement. “If the government wants to bring justice to Thaksin, the action must not stress the double standard system of the justice processes in Thailand and must not encourage anyone to have legal privileges over others. The government has to equally provide It remains uncertain whether the former PM will re-enter Thai politics or how he might engage in political roles in the future. According to ThaiRath, Thaksin, as a parolee, must adhere to specific rules from the Corrections Department. For example, staying at the reported address, obtaining permission before leaving, refraining from visiting other inmates, avoiding carrying weapons, maintaining honest employment, and reporting to the prison monthly. Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, shared a photo of her father on the Instagram account @ingshin21 Thaksin released on parole A Thaksin supporter outside Ban Chan Song La | Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP by Petch Petpailin Top Photo by Wason Wanichakorn via AP Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

“Thaksin’s parole is justified and legal” – Corrections Department By Peter Roche Facebook/Thaksin Shinawatra The Corrections Department says the release on parole of Thaksin Shinawatra is in line with the law. The department issued a statement to clarify matters after the former PM’s release caused some raised eyebrows, to say the least. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320290-“thaksin’s-parole-is-justified-and-legal”-–-corrections-department/

The Corrections Department says the release on parole of Thaksin Shinawatra is in line with the law. The department issued a statement to clarify matters after the former PM’s release caused some raised eyebrows, to say the least. Thaksin returned to the kingdom in August last year, having fled Thailand after being ousted by a military coup in 2006. He lived abroad in self-imposed exile for the next 15 years During that time, he was convicted for corruption and abuse of power while in government and sentenced in absentia by various military governments. When he returned in August, he was met by the authorities and taken to the Supreme Court, where he was sentenced to 8 years in prison (subsequently reduced to 1 year by royal clemency). Later that night, he was removed from Bangkok Remand Prison and transferred to the Police General Hospital on the grounds of “ill health”. He remained there until his release at the weekend, meaning he hasn’t spent a single night in jail. By Peter Roche Facebook/Thaksin Shinawatra Full story: PhuketGO 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thaksin, Thaksin, Thaksin… yes, he’s out, more foreign income info - Tim Newton Today - Feb 19 Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320289-thaksin-thaksin-thaksin…-yes-he’s-out-more-foreign-income-info-tim-newton-feb-19/

Thailand news - Thai media has nothing else report other than their former PM, Thaksin Shinawatra, being released from custody. We've decoded some of the hysteria. Dengue Fever still a problem with more than twice the number of cases this year, an interpretation of the new tax policy for foreign-earned income, trouble for an El Al flight from Phuket to Israel with 'interruptions' to its communications. Tim Newton Today is a daily take on Thai and regional news and issues of interest to expats and foreign tourists.

Overstaying Russian Man Arrested in Patong By Goongnang Suksawat Patong –An overstaying Russian man was arrested at a hotel in Patong. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320288-overstaying-russian-man-arrested-in-patong/

Patong –An overstaying Russian man was arrested at a hotel in Patong. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that over the past weekend they arrested a 35-year-old Russian man at a hotel room in Patong. He was taken to the Patong Police Station to face legal charges of overstaying. By Goongnang Suksawat Full story: THE PHUKET EXPRESS 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Tour boat operator to be prosecuted for tying up to coral reef in Trang By Peter Roche FILE PHOTO: Koh Kradan National Park officials are to take legal action against a tour boat company after one of their boats tied up to a coral reef in Trang province in southern Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320287-tour-boat-operator-to-be-prosecuted-for-tying-up-to-coral-reef-in-trang/

National Park officials are to take legal action against a tour boat company after one of their boats tied up to a coral reef in Trang province in southern Thailand. The environmental watchdog group Monsoon Garbage posted photos and video of the incident, prompting outrage on social media. In its Facebook post, the group says the boat’s rope was tied around an underwater coral reef off Koh Kradan, a renowned beauty spot popular with snorkellers. Koh Kradan was awarded the ‘best beach in the world’ status last year in a survey. By Peter Roche FILE PHOTO: Koh Kradan Full story: PhuketGO 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thailand’s economic challenge: short-term relief vs long-term structural woes By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk The 5:2 vote by the Thai central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to hold the key policy rate at 2.50 per cent is a hint of an impending rate cut at their next meeting, according to some economists. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320286-thailand’s-economic-challenge-short-term-relief-vs-long-term-structural-woes/

The 5:2 vote by the Thai central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to hold the key policy rate at 2.50 per cent is a hint of an impending rate cut at their next meeting, according to some economists. The MPC decision in January disappointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and his aides who had been forcefully arguing for the rate cut. Srettha, who is also finance minister, said that he could not interfere with the Bank of Thailand (BOT)’s independence. Two of the MPC members voted for a rate cut because inflation has been negative and economic growth has slowed down. The majority of MPC members, however, cited many reasons for leaving the rate unchanged. They argued that though headline inflation was in negative territory for four consecutive months, core inflation remained positive. They also said that they wanted to guard financial stability as a lower rate could encourage people to undertake risky investments or borrow more. State of the Thai economy While the government has been explicit that the economy is heading for a crisis, its opinion is at odds with that of the BOT, which sees recovery albeit uneven with some sectors still struggling for survival. While the government is focusing on short-term stimulus and is calling for a rate cut, the BOT believes accumulated issues could not be solved merely by lowering the interest rate. By Thai PBS World’s Business Desk Full story: Thai PBS 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE: Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Apichit Jinakul Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand’s busiest, is facing daily traffic congestion as vehicles compete for parking spaces. The problem is compounded by long queues at immigration and baggage claim areas due to inoperative kiosks and staff shortages. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320252-suvarnabhumi-adds-more-staff-to-prevent-malfunction/?do=findComment&comment=18705036

Bangkok airport battles congestion with tech amid tourism recovery by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of Apichit Jinakul Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand’s busiest, is facing daily traffic congestion as vehicles compete for parking spaces. The problem is compounded by long queues at immigration and baggage claim areas due to inoperative kiosks and staff shortages. Tourist complaints prompted an unannounced visit from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has since ordered airport authorities to quicken procedures to under 30 minutes per passenger. As the country welcomed 3.03 million foreign visitors last month, a rise from the previous year’s 2.1 million, the pressure on airports has increased significantly. The recovery of tourism post-pandemic has led to airlines increasing flight frequencies, seeking to reach full capacity as quickly as possible to offset losses incurred during the pandemic. However, staffing shortages in airports and airlines worldwide are impeding growth. The adoption of technology that could help alleviate the labour shortage in aviation has been slow due to system instability and the comparatively low level of technology proficiency in Thailand. By 2025, it is expected that 63% of airports and 51% of airlines globally will have self-boarding gates using biometrics, with 53% of airports implementing a secure single biometric token for all touchpoints, reported Bangkok Post. In addition to adopting new technology, Airports of Thailand (AoT) announced last year a passenger service charge increase at six international airports from April 1, 2024. The additional tax of 30 baht is rolled into ticket prices, making the new total service charge 730 baht, and is allocated via the new operating system, Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (Cupps). This system is designed to reduce long queues at check-in counters and is already familiar to passengers using Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of Thai AirAsia, reported that 20-30% of their passengers are using self-service check-in at Don Mueang airport, with many using their mobile phones or websites to check in online before arriving at the airport. He also affirmed that automated ground handling services will become increasingly important at airports, especially those dealing with labour shortages. Airport technology However, the adoption of technology is not an absolute solution. As Santisuk and Sumesh Patel, president of Asia-Pacific at SITA, pointed out, aviation is a service industry that requires human intervention for troubleshooting. They believe that rather than causing layoffs, new technologies will improve passenger services and increase operational efficiency, with staff roles evolving and becoming more service-oriented. Despite these advancements, there are still hurdles to overcome. Wutthiphum Jurangkool, CEO of Nok Air, said that tech adoption in Thailand is slower than in Europe and the US, as passengers need time to become accustomed to new airport technologies. Additionally, the physical structure of older airports may not fully accommodate some of these new technologies. Sumesh emphasised that all airports and airlines, regardless of size, must adopt new technologies due to the rapid changes in the aviation industry driven by the pandemic. Furthermore, cloud technology makes digital transition and advanced IT affordable and accessible for regional or budget-conscious airports, allowing them to implement smart digital operations cost-effectively. Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Fuel dispensers’ accuracy standards to tighten in Thailand by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock The Internal Trade Department of the Commerce Ministry is set to tighten the accuracy standards for fuel dispensers at petrol stations. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320285-fuel-dispensers’-accuracy-standards-to-tighten-in-thailand/

The Internal Trade Department of the Commerce Ministry is set to tighten the accuracy standards for fuel dispensers at petrol stations. The new directive seeks to lower the margin of error to ensure that consumers receive fair and accurate fuel measurements. The department expects to enforce the new criteria within the next one to two weeks. Chakra Yodmani, the department’s deputy director-general, stated that the directive came from Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who tasked the department with revising the margin of error for fuel dispensers. As part of the process, the department engaged with various stakeholders and incorporated their feedback into the discussions of the Committee for Weights and Measures, led by the permanent commerce secretary. The ministry recently made two key amendments to the specifications and characteristics of measuring meters, fluid volume, and material details used in production. The first change involved decreasing the margin of error for inspection in the certification of fuel dispensers from ±0.5% to ±0.3%. The margin of error during use has also been lowered from ±1% to ±0.5%, reported Bangkok Post. The second amendment involves reducing the certification validity period from two years to one year. This change will increase the frequency of inspections, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors. According to Chakra, the new directive is currently being published in the Royal Gazette for the benefit of the public and relevant business entities. The Energy Ministry, oil traders, and various fuel stations have already been notified about the upcoming changes. To further ensure compliance, Minister Phumtham appointed provincial commercial officials and civil servants under the Weights and Measures Act of 1999 to bolster the inspection of fuel dispensers at petrol stations. This move supplements the inspections conducted by the 32 regional branches of the Weights and Measures Office. This year, the department has inspected 2,231 petrol stations, covering 34,907 dispensers. Out of these, 2,217 stations with 34,885 dispensers were found to comply, while 14 stations with 22 dispensers were in violation. Violations ranged from lack of certification or expired certification to errors in fuel dispensing. Legal action has been pursued for these violations, with penalties including imprisonment and fines up to 280,000 baht (US$7,791). In related news, the global oil market saw regionalisation due to Red Sea attacks and high freight rates, impacting trade flows and pushing prices up. Geopolitical tensions continue to pose challenges for refiners. by Alex Morgan Photo courtesy of iStock Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Thai security academic calls for transparency in government assets by Mitch Connor Mitch Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post An independent security academic, Panitan Wattanayagorn, recently suggested a closer examination of the assets of military and government agencies in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320284-thai-security-academic-calls-for-transparency-in-government-assets/

An independent security academic, Panitan Wattanayagorn, recently suggested a closer examination of the assets of military and government agencies in Thailand. His proposal aims to enhance transparency through regulated financial accounts and the disclosure of expenditures. Panitan, who specialises in security and foreign affairs, expressed his concerns, highlighting the ministries of Education, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, and Finance as the top three for revenue management. However, there are serious doubts over the transparency of their revenue management and use of assets. The ministries of Energy and Defence also lack transparency, according to Panitan. He noted that the security agency has been under the watchful eye of the opposition Move Forward Party since the coup. However, the collective revenues of all security agencies, including the police, still fall short of the top three ministries. “The adjustment of the system for asset management of state agencies has been included in the national strategy for transparency. Indicators will be set for each ministry every two to three years to set a clear direction.” However, Panitan believes that a shortage of budget is hampering the process of developing an indicator. “Both the opposition and the government may not be familiar with such a strategy as it was not initiated by them, and they may not understand its tools for system readjustment.” Speaking about the army’s assets, Panitan suggested examining the army’s account management to review its assets, revenue, and expenses. He pointed out that the army’s accounts are divided into the state budget and unofficial finance. The businesses run by the army, such as a golf course, are easily distinguishable from security affairs and border matters, reported Bangkok Post. Government transparency Panitan also highlighted the issue of revenues not being sent to the central budget, creating ambiguity and hindering public access to data. On the topic of budget leaks, he noted that such money might end up with influential figures, complicating the examination process. “The examination can be carried out by legislators, but they need to discuss what details they can disclose to avoid any impact on security matters.” Panitan suggested focusing on the expenditure information of state-operated hotels and golf courses and questioning individuals about suspicious figures. The newly established board of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) might delve into the matter. However, this process requires an accurate revenue amount for each ministry for assessment. “But we need to be fair with state agencies, as they may lack the budget needed to carry out tasks given by the government. That’s why we then have to check if the budget is insufficient, being leaked out, or if they have failed to include the budget sought from other sources.” by Mitch Connor Mitch Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Kanchanaburi to benefit from 12 billion baht water diversion project by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Kanchanaburi’s five districts are set to benefit from a water diversion tunnel project that aims to alleviate drought problems. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320283-kanchanaburi-to-benefit-from-12-billion-baht-water-diversion-project/

Kanchanaburi’s five districts are set to benefit from a water diversion tunnel project that aims to alleviate drought problems. The project, which is valued at 12 billion baht (US$335,746,080), seeks to transfer 378 million cubic metres of water from the Srinagarind Dam, the largest dam in the western region, to an area of 200,000 rai in the Huay Krachao, Lao Khwan, Bo Phloi, Nong Prue and Phanom Thuan districts of Kanchanaburi. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) completed the feasibility study of the project across five districts in April 2021, according to the project’s advisory team representative, Chaitas Imsamranrat. The tunnel, with its length of 20.5 kilometres and width of 4.2 metres, is planned to be executed in four stages. The first phase involves directing water beneath a mountain at an average depth of 500 metres to the Lam E Su reservoir at a rate of 1.03 million cubic metres per day. This phase, which also includes the construction of water-receiving and discharging buildings, is expected to cost 4.28 billion baht (US$ 119,749,435). Following this, a new water transportation system will be installed to channel water to a clarifier site, a project that requires a budget of 3.12 billion baht (US$87,293,980). The next stage involves building a Lumrang clarifier site, which is estimated to cost 3 billion baht (US$83,936,520). Finally, a further water transport system will be constructed to release water into a primary concrete canal and its 42 sub-routes for public use. The budget for this stage is 3.99 billion baht (US$111,635,571). Despite the project’s potential benefits, concerns have been raised regarding its environmental impact, particularly the first phase, which is located in the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary. Tunnel project However, Chaitas has provided assurances of the project’s environmental safety, highlighting that the project’s excavation process will utilise a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The TBM is deemed the most efficient method for long tunnels, offering higher productivity and a safer work environment. It is designed to excavate the entrance and the end of the tunnel simultaneously, each side stretching approximately 10 kilometres, thereby minimising noise pollution and other adverse impacts. The drilling and blasting process will be implemented around the tunnel entrance to prepare for the TBM on the main tunnel. Each blast can create a space of four to six metres per day, and it may take about three months to reach 50 metres. The project also has the support of Sakda Wichiansilp, Pheu Thai MP for Kanchanaburi and chairman of a House committee studying drought solutions to the El Niño weather phenomenon. He has called on government agencies to expedite the construction process and increase awareness of the project’s importance in mitigating drought issues among locals. by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post Full story: The Thaiger 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Joint Thai-US operation to salvage sunken HTMS Sukhothai begins by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Royal Thai Navy A joint operation to salvage HTMS Sukhothai, which tragically sank approximately 35 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 18, 2022, will kick off this Thursday, as announced by the Thai and US navies. The vessel was victim to a fierce storm that led to its sinking. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1320282-joint-thai-us-operation-to-salvage-sunken-htms-sukhothai-begins/

A joint operation to salvage HTMS Sukhothai, which tragically sank approximately 35 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 18, 2022, will kick off this Thursday, as announced by the Thai and US navies. The vessel was victim to a fierce storm that led to its sinking. The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson, Rear Admiral Veerudom Muangjin, revealed yesterday, February 17, that the operation will involve 40 Thai naval officers stationed on HTMS Rattnakosin, alongside two mine-sweeping boats and a medium-seagoing watercraft. The US contribution will consist of the Ocean Valor and 17 marines from Hawaii’s Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit. The operation is part of the 2024 Cobra Gold exercise, described as a light salvage. The primary objective, according to R.Adm. Veerudom, is to verify the exact cause of the tragic capsize. This follows an internal investigation into the incident conducted by the RTN, reported Bangkok Post. The ship was carrying a total of 105 crew members at the time of the disaster. 76 were fortunately rescued, but the incident claimed the lives of 24 individuals, and five are still missing. R.Adm. Veerudom expressed hope that the operation might locate the missing crew members, whose bodies could potentially be trapped within the wreckage. The US Navy team’s role extends beyond the recovery of the ship. They will meticulously examine the wreckage to ensure that no hazardous items or chemicals have been left behind on the ocean floor, said R.Adm. Veerudom, “We have faith in the US Navy’s extensive experience and specialist equipment and anticipate a successful operation.” Ocean Valor is due to arrive at the salvage site tomorrow, in advance of the main operation. For safety purposes, the site and surrounding sea will be declared a no-go zone for marine navigation during the operation. The safety of both the Thai and US teams involved in the operation is paramount, and robust security measures will be implemented. These include a comprehensive survey of the vessel beforehand and thorough documentation of the process. R.Adm. Veerudom also highlighted the symbolic significance of the joint operation. “This operation is a testament to the longstanding camaraderie between the RTN and the US Navy.” by Mitch Connor Picture courtesy of Royal Thai Navy Source: The Thaiger 2024-02-19 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe