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Photo via Facebook/ Buriramguru-บุรีรัมย์กูรู by Petch Petpailin Police are searching for a Thai man who shot a cat with a harpoon in the Isaan province of Buriram, allegedly intending to eat the animal. The cat’s right eye was left blind following the severe attack. The 68 year old Thai man, Narong Sookprasert, brought the injured cat, Kuay Tiew (meaning noodles), in a cage to a shelter at the Wang Krood Rescue Foundation in the Satuek district of Buriram province today, January 16. Narong explained that he could not afford the treatment costs for Kuay Tiew and hoped rescuers could assist. Kuay Tiew was shot with a long harpoon that pierced her right eye and passed through her front right leg. Narong recounted that Kuay Tiew approached him during the night, crying for help. He woke up and was shocked to discover the harpoon lodged in her body. Narong mentioned hearing the sound of a motorcycle engine outside his home shortly before Kuay Tiew sought help. He suspects that the attacker is a member of a minority group in the community who believe that consuming cat meat during the cold season can help warm their bodies. Kuay Tiew was taken to an animal hospital owned by veterinarian Kutcharat Tiangphadung. The veterinarian confirmed that the harpoon had not struck any vital organs. She is currently monitoring the wound to Kuay Tiew’s eye, noting that it may need to be removed if it becomes infected. Photo via KomChadLuek Kutcharat estimated that the total treatment costs would be less than 10,000 baht. There is no confirmation as to whether Narong will be able to pay this amount. Kuay Tiew remains at the hospital, as Narong has not returned to collect her. Officers from Chum Saeng Police Station are investigating the case and have reviewed security camera footage near Narong’s home to track down the suspect. Based on the footage, police and residents agree with Narong’s belief that the attacker is indeed a member of the group known to consume cat meat. Photo via Facebook/ Buriramguru-บุรีรัมย์กูรู Jeerasak Thipsunthornchai, Deputy Director of the Buriram Provincial Public Health Office, stated that cat meat does not provide any greater warming effect on the human body compared to pork or beef. He urged residents to consume appropriate meats that provide proper nutrition, such as protein-rich alternatives. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Bangkok cracks down on smoky buses amid pollution crisis by Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail To tackle Bangkok’s escalating air pollution, city officials inspected public buses for black smoke emissions at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s (BMTA) Sathuphradit Depot on Tuesday, January 14. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349067-bangkok-cracks-down-on-smoky-buses-amid-pollution-crisis/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail by Puntid Tantivangphaisal To tackle Bangkok’s escalating air pollution, city officials inspected public buses for black smoke emissions at the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority’s (BMTA) Sathuphradit Depot on Tuesday, January 14. The initiative, led by Phonprom Wikitset, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, and Prapat Luangsirinapa, Director of the Environmental Office, aimed to address the city’s fine particulate matter (PM2.5) crisis. The inspections covered five buses from BMTA’s Zone 2 and Zone 4 operations. While four buses met the legal emission standard of 30% opacity, one exceeded the limit and was ordered to undergo repairs before returning to service. Advisor Phonprom highlighted the urgency of stricter measures. “Although four buses passed, they still emitted visible white smoke, which is concerning. We aim to lower the legal opacity limit to 15% in the short term.” Phonprom also revealed BMTA’s long-term plan to replace polluting diesel buses with electric vehicles (EVs). “The transition to EVs will significantly reduce air pollution in Bangkok once implemented.” The inspection is part of a broader effort by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to combat PM2.5, a hazardous pollutant linked to severe health risks. The city has been grappling with dangerously high pollution levels, prompting city officials to step up initiatives targeting major contributors like vehicle emissions. With electric buses on the horizon and stricter emission standards in the pipeline, Bangkok’s push for cleaner, greener public transport signals a critical step toward reducing its pollution burden. However, the move also underscores the immediate need for enforcement and infrastructure upgrades to address the city’s pressing air quality concerns, reported Pattaya Mail. Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail In related news, schools in Thailand may transition to online classes if fine dust pollution reaches critical levels, according to the Thai Education Ministry. Teachers are advised to monitor students’ health as PM2.5 haze pollution affects several provinces, including Bangkok. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

British explorer uncovers shocking truth at abandoned Phuket Zoo (video) b Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of YouTube/SeanKing5150 via Lad Bible A British explorer got more than he bargained for during a visit to Thailand’s abandoned Phuket Zoo, uncovering a hidden and haunting secret that left him and his viewers stunned. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349066-british-explorer-uncovers-shocking-truth-at-abandoned-phuket-zoo-video/

Photo courtesy of YouTube/SeanKing5150 via Lad Bible b Puntid Tantivangphaisal A British explorer got more than he bargained for during a visit to Thailand’s abandoned Phuket Zoo, uncovering a hidden and haunting secret that left him and his viewers stunned. British content creator Sean King, known for exploring deserted attractions on his YouTube channel @SeanKing5150, ventured into the defunct zoo. What he found was both extraordinary and deeply troubling. “I thought the animals had been rescued.” King referenced reports that the zoo, which closed in 2021 due to financial woes during the pandemic, had relocated its remaining wildlife to sanctuaries. However, his unsettling footage revealed otherwise. Wandering through overgrown grounds and crumbling structures, King stumbled upon an ominous pool. Peering into the murky water, the daring explorer realised he wasn’t alone. “No way…mate, they are still in here. Nine, 10, 11…12 crocodiles. You’re having a laugh. Get them out of here!” The crocs weren’t the only remnants of the zoo’s controversial past. Further exploration revealed a lone tiger and a herd of deer, which the British man suspected were being fed. “There’s an icebox with sausages in it. This is beyond belief. Phuket Zoo was awful when it was open, and now it’s worse.” Phuket Zoo, once notorious for alleged animal mistreatment and labelled “hell on Earth for animals” by PETA, made headlines in 2021 when a major rescue operation relocated 11 tigers to a sanctuary, marking Thailand’s largest-ever single placement of tigers, reported LADbible. Sean’s footage, described as “heartbreaking” by viewers, has reignited calls for accountability. “I hope someone who can help sees this.” “Sometimes you just gotta say, ‘Phuket, I’m going in!’” ORIGINAL STORY: Phuket Zoo to close down following Covid-19 economic destruction Phuket Zoo is the latest casualty of Covid-19 restrictions’ devastation on the island province’s tourism economy. The zoo is closing down, and all its animals have been sent to new homes, according to the owner. The zoo’s owner and operator, 42 year old Suriya Tanthaweewong, told The Phuket News this week that the zoo started to close when the pandemic broke out in 2020, even though the zoo had brought joy to animal lovers for over 2 decades. “Phuket Zoo had been in operation since 1996. We started to close in 2020. We could not bear the cost because there was no income from tourists coming in.” When asked what he would like Phuket Zoo to be remembered for, Suriya said he didn’t want to talk about the past. He said, “Let’s just adjust to the current situation”. The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand is now caring for 11 tigers from the zoo, after the foundation prepared enclosures for them. WFFT has also taken in black bears from Phuket Zoo, however, it needs funding to build the bears enclosures. Each enclosure will cost around 14,000 euros, or nearly 520,000 baht. People who would like to help the WFFT build bear enclosures can click on their website HERE. This news comes after Thailand’s wildlife department has taken a massive cut this year. While the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation used to receive 80 million baht each year to care for animals, this year, the funding wildly plummeted to 30 million baht due to a government cut. With Thailand’s wildlife department struggling and zoos and animal rescue foundations lacking in funds, who knows what the future of Thailand’s animals holds. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-17

Phuket Struggles with Escalating Waste Woes: A Call for Action File photo courtesy: Thai Newsroom Phuket is facing an escalating rubbish crisis that threatens both the environment and the island's reputation as a tourist paradise. The surge in waste has outpaced the infrastructure designed to handle it, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive solutions. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349060-phuket-struggles-with-escalating-waste-woes-a-call-for-action/

File photo courtesy: Thai Newsroom Phuket is facing an escalating rubbish crisis that threatens both the environment and the island's reputation as a tourist paradise. The surge in waste has outpaced the infrastructure designed to handle it, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive solutions. Every day, the island generates over 1,000 tonnes of waste, a staggering increase from prior years, reflecting the swell in both tourism and local development. This far surpasses the island's capacity for processing garbage, as the Saphan Hin landfill and the sole incinerator, with its maximum capability of handling 900 tonnes daily, struggle to cope. This incapacity leaves hundreds of tonnes to accumulate, creating unsightly and odorous mounds of trash. Residents, like Vassana Toyou, find their everyday lives disrupted by the overwhelming stench emanating from the ever-expanding landfill, which has replaced scenic vistas with unsightly dumps. The constant need for air-conditioning and purifying devices adds a financial burden to local households, significantly escalating electricity costs. Phuket's appeal, with roughly 13 million tourists visiting annually out of Thailand’s 35.5 million foreign arrivals, has been a double-edged sword. While tourism boosts the local economy, the growth estimated at 1,400 tonnes of waste per day by year's end, places unsustainable pressure on the island's waste management infrastructure. In response, local authorities have unveiled plans to curb waste output by 15% within six months. This strategy includes expanding the landfill and constructing a new incinerator, with the overarching aim of steering Phuket towards becoming a sustainable tourism hub. Nonetheless, enhancing incineration capacity alone is insufficient, insists waste management expert, Panate Manomaivibool from Burapha University. He advocates a more holistic approach that includes waste minimisation and segregation. Currently, a mere 10% of Phuket's refuse is recycled, with organic waste comprising 60% of the total. Efforts are being made to instil recycling habits among locals, such as a "garbage bank" initiative piloted in Muang district, aiming to incentivise community participation in waste reduction. As Phuket grapples with its burgeoning waste crisis, authorities and residents alike are in a race against time to implement effective measures. Immediate action and sustainable planning are indispensable to safeguard Phuket's future as a cherished global destination. If successful, these measures may serve as a blueprint for other tourist-dependent regions facing similar challenges, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-17

Thailand's Online Gambling Legalisation Sparks Controversy FILE photo courtesy: ChandigarhMetro In a move stirring public debate, Thailand's government has made a controversial decision to legalise online gambling, sparking concerns over potential societal impacts. Former senator Wallop Tangkhananurak has questioned the motivations behind this decision, airing doubts about the government’s transparency. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349058-thailands-online-gambling-legalisation-sparks-controversy/

FILE photo courtesy: ChandigarhMetro In a move stirring public debate, Thailand's government has made a controversial decision to legalise online gambling, sparking concerns over potential societal impacts. Former senator Wallop Tangkhananurak has questioned the motivations behind this decision, airing doubts about the government’s transparency. The initiative came to light not through official channels, but via an announcement by Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong earlier this week. He assured that legal frameworks would be adjusted promptly to decriminalise online gambling, indicating it's a priority for the government. Prasert has also promised swift action, stressing the economic benefits expected to follow. Yet, the absence of this issue from the cabinet’s official resolutions, as revealed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has raised eyebrows. Wallop suspects underlying motives and hastened efforts, particularly since the announcement coincides with a recent campaign trail statement by Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister and current political influencer. Wallop has been vocal about his fears of grave consequences for Thai society. He argues that legalised gambling could erode traditional values and negatively influence the youth’s mindset, leading to shifts in cultural attitudes toward gambling. “These measures demonstrate a government willing to compromise on moral standards for financial gain,” Wallop stated, condemning what he perceives as hypocrisy, given Prasert's previous stance on cracking down illegal gambling rings. He cautioned that this shift could create long-term societal issues, painting a grim picture of future generations plagued by vices. Wallop challenges Prime Minister Paetongtarn, a mother herself, to reconsider the ethical implications of such a decision. "Is she prepared to craft a society where moral decay defines the youth's legacy?" he questions, underscoring his stance as an advocate for maintaining ethical integrity in governance. As these developments unfold, they shed light on the broader economic strategy and political dynamics at play in Thailand. Critics argue that the economic gains from a legalised online gambling market, potentially amounting to billions of Thai Baht, could be overshadowed by societal costs, reported Thai PBS. As this polarising issue takes centre stage, it reveals the complex balancing act between economic ambition and cultural preservation in modern Thailand. -- 2025-01-17

Romantic Stunt Gone Wrong: Man Steals Truck to Impress his Crush Picture courtesy: Khaosod In an unexpected twist of events in Chumphon, a man's ill-fated attempt to woo his long-time crush ended in legal trouble. Mr. Wathana, 32, from Prachuap Khiri Khan province, sought to impress a high school girl by stealing a government vehicle, only to have his plans unravel when the police swiftly apprehended him. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349039-romantic-stunt-gone-wrong-man-steals-truck-to-impress-his-crush/

Picture courtesy: Khaosod In an unexpected twist of events in Chumphon, a man's ill-fated attempt to woo his long-time crush ended in legal trouble. Mr. Wathana, 32, from Prachuap Khiri Khan province, sought to impress a high school girl by stealing a government vehicle, only to have his plans unravel when the police swiftly apprehended him. The story began when Mr. Prasat, 59, an official from the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, left his pickup truck idling at Chumphon City’s railway station to fetch some goods. Upon returning, he discovered the vehicle missing. Fortunately, the truck was equipped with a GPS system, allowing local police to track it quickly. Mr. Wathana's motivations behind the theft were as foolhardy as they were romantic. For three years, he had secretly adored a girl now in the 11th grade, the daughter of a local grocery store owner. Despite frequenting her family's store, he never summoned the courage to declare his feelings. Desperate and unlikely emboldened by four methamphetamine pills, he seized the opportunity to make a grand gesture by absconding with the government pickup. Having been monitored along the busy Phetkasem Road, law enforcement officers coordinated a swift strategy, notifying checkpoints further along the highway. At about 5:30 p.m., in Bang Saphan Noi district, Wathana's journey was abruptly curtailed near Kiri Lom School. But what drives a man to such impulsive acts? Mr. Wathana owns a six-rai durian orchard but seemed to lack courage in romance, opting instead for a drug-fuelled fantasy of heroism. This rash act of devotion has now left him facing serious charges, including vehicle theft and drug-impaired driving. Aside from the legal repercussions—a court hearing likely to follow—this episode raises poignant questions about the lengths to which people might go in pursuit of love. Transporting stolen government property is a severe offence, carrying heavy penalties and fines in Thailand, potentially totalling up to ฿40,000 (approximately £900) for theft alone. The tale is a cautionary reminder of the thin line between romantic ambition and reckless folly. For Mr. Wathana, the lofty aim of capturing a young woman's heart collided disastrously with the reality of the law, teaching a costly lesson that admiration cannot be fuelled by crime and misconduct, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-17

Trump's Nominee Rubio Pledges to Lobby Thailand on Uyghur Detainees Picture courtesy: Facebook Immigration Bureau Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China. This pledge arises amidst significant human rights concerns about the potential fate of the Uyghurs if returned to China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349012-trumps-nominee-rubio-pledges-to-lobby-thailand-on-uyghur-detainees/

Dutch national arrested in Bangkok for US$55,000 gold scam By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Photo courtesy of The Pattaya News Thailand’s Immigration Bureau announced on Tuesday, January 14, the arrest of a 43 year old Dutch national for allegedly organising a gold scam in Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349013-dutch-national-arrested-in-bangkok-for-us55000-gold-scam/

Supreme Court Petitioned to Return Thaksin to Jail Amid Allegations File photo In a dramatic turn of events, former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak has officially petitioned the Supreme Court to consider sending Thaksin Shinawatra back to prison. Efforts are also sought to investigate alleged irregularities in his release facilitated by the Corrections Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349023-supreme-court-petitioned-to-return-thaksin-to-jail-amid-allegations/

to continue: Thailand Live Friday 17 January 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1349028-thailand-live-friday-17-january-2025/

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail Chaos on Pattaya Beach: Drunk tourists fuel brawls in hotspot By Puntid Tantivangphaisal Pattaya Beach, known for its stunning coastline and electrifying nightlife, is grappling with a surge in alcohol-fuelled brawls involving unruly tourists. Once a haven for relaxation and revelry, the iconic destination has seen a troubling rise in disruptive incidents, leaving locals and officials concerned about the city’s reputation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349017-chaos-on-pattaya-beach-drunk-tourists-fuel-brawls-in-hotspot/

Supreme Court Petitioned to Return Thaksin to Jail Amid Allegations File photo In a dramatic turn of events, former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak has officially petitioned the Supreme Court to consider sending Thaksin Shinawatra back to prison. Efforts are also sought to investigate alleged irregularities in his release facilitated by the Corrections Department. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349023-supreme-court-petitioned-to-return-thaksin-to-jail-amid-allegations/

File photo In a dramatic turn of events, former Democrat MP Charnchai Issarasenarak has officially petitioned the Supreme Court to consider sending Thaksin Shinawatra back to prison. Efforts are also sought to investigate alleged irregularities in his release facilitated by the Corrections Department. The petition, submitted today, urges the Supreme Court to review the circumstances under which Thaksin was granted effectively preferential treatment, avoiding imprisonment upon his return from a 17-year self-imposed exile in 2023. The former Thai Prime Minister, and influential political figure, had been sentenced to a curtailed one-year imprisonment by the Supreme Court due to charges of power abuse during his tenure in office. Critics argue that Thaksin, whose daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra is the current Prime Minister, was allowed to serve his sentence under questionable conditions. Allegedly, he was granted a six-month hospital stay at Police Hospital instead of fulfilling his sentence in Bangkok Remand Prison. This arrangement reportedly exploited legal ambiguities to extend undue privileges, potentially undermining the judiciary’s authority. Charnchai contends that the Corrections Department’s actions, in conjunction with certain executive officers, amounted to government misconduct by facilitating Thaksin’s avoidance of jail through purported health concerns. Upon supposed medical necessity, Thaksin’s stay at the hospital reportedly coincided with his release on parole, sanctioned by Justice Minister and Prachachart leader Thavi Sodsong last year. The petition raises significant questions about the integrity and consistency of the legal system in enforcing judicial decisions, especially those concerning high-profile political figures. The case underscores ongoing tensions between branches of government and the continued scrutiny of Thailand's political landscape. The Supreme Court judges, specifically tasked with overseeing criminal cases involving political figures, now face a pivotal decision in acting upon Charnchai’s petition. Whether the court will choose to reinstate Thaksin’s prison sentence or dismiss the appeal remains to be seen, as the matter highlights broader concerns over equality and justice within the Thai legal framework. This unfolding story captures the complexities entwining politics and law in Thailand, as observers keenly watch for the Supreme Court’s response and the potential implications for Thaksin and the country's political order, reported Thai Newsroom. -- 2025-01-16

Trump's Nominee Rubio Pledges to Lobby Thailand on Uyghur Detainees Picture courtesy: Facebook Immigration Bureau Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China. This pledge arises amidst significant human rights concerns about the potential fate of the Uyghurs if returned to China. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1349012-trumps-nominee-rubio-pledges-to-lobby-thailand-on-uyghur-detainees/

Picture courtesy: Facebook Immigration Bureau Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China. This pledge arises amidst significant human rights concerns about the potential fate of the Uyghurs if returned to China. The announcement came during Rubio’s confirmation hearing in Washington on Wednesday, where he promised to leverage his potential new role to influence Thailand’s decision-making. The Uyghurs, hailing from China's Xinjiang region, have long faced persecution, with around 1.8 million reportedly held in internment camps starting 2017. Recent reports have resurfaced, indicating that Thailand might proceed with their deportation, igniting a fervent response during the hearing. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley prompted Rubio to articulate his stance on the matter, emphasising the urgency and ethical weight of preventing the deportations. Rubio, who maintains a firm stance on China-related policies, assured the committee that he would actively engage Thailand, highlighting the strategic and longstanding alliance between Thailand and the United States as a pivotal aspect of the diplomatic effort. He expressed optimism that America's close partnership with Thailand could indeed render the desired results. An encouraging development has been noted by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), which suggests that the heightened international spotlight may have temporarily alleviated the immediate threat of deportation. Confidential discussions with Thai insiders reveal that Thailand remains wary of repeating the international outcry that followed the 2015 deportation of over 100 Uyghurs to China, an act that substantially impaired its diplomatic image. Further assurance came from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which, upon hearing unverified rumours of deportation preparations, received contrasting assurances from Thai authorities, suggesting no imminent action. The saga began in the early 2010s when Thailand emerged as a critical route for Uyghurs escaping the increasing repression at home and seeking asylum in Turkey. In 2014, approximately 350 were detained near the Malaysian border, with many later deported or enduring harsh conditions in Thai detention centres. More than 100 were forcibly returned to China in 2015, with their current whereabouts remaining unknown. This ongoing situation illustrates the complexity of international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, as Rubio stands poised to potentially influence this delicate affair in his prospective role, adding yet another layer to the multifaceted global stage, reported Bangkok Post. -- 2025-01-16

Thai Man Attacks Swiss with Cue Over Alleged Pool Cheat FILE photo for reference only. A Thai man, aged 30, attacked a Swiss man after accusing him of cheating during a game of pool at a bar in Pattaya. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348977-thai-man-attacks-swiss-with-cue-over-alleged-pool-cheat/

FILE photo for reference only. A Thai man, aged 30, attacked a Swiss man after accusing him of cheating during a game of pool at a bar in Pattaya. On 16 January, Pattaya's Sawang Boriboon Rescue Centre received reports of an assault resulting in injuries at a bar on Khao Talo road. Police and rescue volunteers responded swiftly to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found Devin, a 36-year-old Swiss national, suffering from a wrist injury inflicted by a pool cue. Rescue workers provided initial treatment before transporting him to a hospital. The Thai man responsible, identified as Anand, appeared heavily intoxicated and was detained by police. Anand told officers that he and the victim had been playing pool together, but claimed the Swiss man was cheating. This led to a heated argument during which Anand admitted to striking him with the cue, alleging the victim had attacked him first. The bar owner, who witnessed the incident, recounted that Anand reacted angrily after losing the game and accused the Swiss man of cheating. Despite the owner's attempts to intervene, Anand, in his drunken state, ignored the warnings, prompting the call to the police, reported CH 7. -- 2025-01-16

Northern Irishman fights for life after Thailand holiday accident by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of the Sunday World Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348968-northern-irishman-fights-for-life-after-thailand-holiday-accident/

Picture courtesy of the Sunday World by Bob Scott Friends, family, and co-workers are rallying behind a Northern Irishman left fighting for his life following a shocking accident while on a dream holiday in Thailand. Ryan Daly, from Portadown, had set off on an ambitious round-the-world trip when tragedy struck, leaving him on life support and his loved ones in turmoil. The 27 year old care attendant, known for his dedication and compassion while working with J & K Coaches’ ambulance department in Moneymore, now finds himself in dire need of care, prompting his employer to launch a heartwarming fundraiser yesterday, January 15. Already, generous well-wishers have contributed nearly £8,000 (338,00 baht) to support his family during this unimaginable ordeal, said a company spokesperson. “Tragically, Ryan was involved in a devastating accident this week and is now on life support in Thailand.” His heartbroken mother, Julie, and sister, Lucy, have journeyed to be by his side after receiving the traumatic news of his critical condition, although the details of Daly’s accident have yet to be revealed by Thai officials. In a heartfelt plea to the community, the spokesperson added, “In response, we have created this fundraising page to offer support to Julie and Lucy, and we’re reaching out to you, our community, followers, and clients, to help us provide the assistance they need.” Daly, whose kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others have left a lasting impact, now needs the community’s support more than ever, said the company spokesperson. “Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference. Please join us in standing with the Daly family during this heart-wrenching time.” To lend a helping hand, the fundraiser is accessible at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jkcoaches-daly-family-fundraiser. Every donation brings hope and comfort to a family facing their darkest hours, uniting a community in solidarity and support. News of Daly’s misfortune comes hot on the heels of another young Irishman, whose body was discovered lifeless on a Thai island. The body of Robert “Robby” Kinlan was found on January 9 in Koh Tao, ominously dubbed “Death Island” due to a chilling pattern of tourist fatalities. Initial post-mortem examinations have pointed towards acute pulmonary cardiac failure as the cause of his untimely demise, but as investigations continue, the mystery surrounding his death only deepens as no information has been revealed to why his heart failed. Source: The Thaiger -- 2025-01-16

Irish diver’s fate revealed on Thailand’s ‘Death Island’ by Bob Scott Picture courtesy of The Daily Mail UPDATE In a heartbreaking twist that has sent shockwaves through a small Irish village, the tragic fate of a young Irish diver discovered lifeless on a Thai island has been made public. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1348966-irish-diver’s-fate-revealed-on-thailand’s-‘death-island’/