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Picture from responders An incident occurred on 10 February when a 72-year-old man lost control of his Honda HR-V and crashed into a utility pole in central Bangkok. At around 15:30, emergency services from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation responded to a report of a car crash on Rama 6 Road, near Soi 11, in the Rong Mueang area of Pathumwan District. Upon arrival, responders found the vehicle facing in the wrong direction, on Rama 1 Road, and discovered the driver, Mr. Thanaphong, severely injured and bleeding from his head and body. He was promptly removed from the vehicle and given first aid before being transported to Hua Chiew Hospital. Nearby, a utility pole had been snapped in half from the impact of the crash. A witness, Mr. Chaliyo, 50, who was working across the street at the time of the incident, stated that he saw the car speeding down the road from Rama 1 towards Rama 6. The vehicle appeared to lose control and hit the pole with such force that it broke in two. He further mentioned that the pole slowly toppled after the impact. Mr. Chaliyo clarified that he did not see any other vehicles involved or pedestrians crossing the road, but noted that the Honda did not appear to brake before the crash. It looked like the driver either had a sudden lapse in concentration or might have fallen asleep, he suggested. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, though initial reports point to potential health issues affecting the driver. -- 2025-02-12

Thailand Slips in Global Corruption Ranking for 2024 File photo for reference only Thailand's efforts to combat corruption have taken a step back, as its score fell by one point in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), sliding to 107th place out of 180 countries. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351511-thailand-slips-in-global-corruption-ranking-for-2024/

Fire Breaks Out at 7-Eleven Store in Sriracha, Customers and Staff Flee in Panic A fire broke out at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 848/46, Pong Sa Ket, Huai Prap, Sriracha, Chonburi, at 11:05 on 11 February. The emergency services were alerted and quickly dispatched fire crews from the Takian Tia and Bo Win municipal fire departments, along with officers from the Sriracha district administration and local rescue teams. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351474-fire-breaks-out-at-7-eleven-store-in-sriracha-customers-and-staff-flee-in-panic/

Migrants, Not Tourists, in Pattaya Beach Viral Snooze Drama - video Picture courtesy of Pattaya Mail Last week, a video went viral on social media, allegedly showing Indian tourists sprawled out on Pattaya Beach. The video, which showed over 100 individuals sleeping, drinking, and leaving a mess on the sand, sparked outrage. However, it has been revealed that these were not tourists but rather migrants. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351480-migrants-not-tourists-in-pattaya-beach-viral-snooze-drama-video/

British Tourist Arrested at Manchester Airport on Drugs Charges Photo courtesy of WhatPub A 21-year-old British man found himself in handcuffs instead of holiday souvenirs upon his return from Thailand. Matthew Crehan, a resident of Dentons Green Lane in St Helens, was arrested on Saturday, February 8th, at Manchester Airport. Authorities acted promptly, charging him with multiple drug-related offences, including possession and supply of class A, B, and C substances such as cocaine, cannabis resin, ketamine, and nitrous oxide. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351507-british-tourist-arrested-at-manchester-airport-on-drugs-charges/

Foreign Motorcyclist Hit-and-Run: Local Rider Seeks Justice After Accident -video Photo via Pracharthai A Thai food delivery rider named Surasak is searching for justice after a foreign motorcyclist hit him and then sped away on a busy road in Pattaya. The incident unfolded around 2pm yesterday on Khao Phra Tamnak Road. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351512-foreign-motorcyclist-hit-and-run-local-rider-seeks-justice-after-accident-video/

to continue: Thailand Live Wednesday 12 February 2025 https://aseannow.com/topic/1351506-thailand-live-wednesday-12-february-2025/

Elon Musk helped found OpenAI in 2015 but left the company three years later. (The Washington Post) Elon Musk and a group of investors have launched a $97.4 billion takeover bid for OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, in a dramatic escalation of their long-running dispute over the future of artificial intelligence. The offer, which falls significantly below OpenAI’s most recent valuation of $157 billion, was swiftly rejected by the company’s CEO, Sam Altman. In a post on X, Altman responded with a tongue-in-cheek reply: “No thank you, but we will buy Twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.” Musk fired back with a single-word response: “Swindler.” The bid, revealed on Monday 10 February, comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Musk and OpenAI over the firm’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit entity. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left three years later, has accused the company of betraying its original mission of developing AI for the benefit of humanity. Musk’s legal team argues that OpenAI’s restructuring violates its founding principles, and he has sought to block the move through the courts. His bid to acquire the company is seen as an attempt to regain control and steer it back towards open-source AI development. The takeover bid is backed by Musk’s AI firm, xAI, alongside asset management funds linked to Tesla investors Ron Baron and Gavin Baker. Venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale’s 8VC is also part of the consortium. Musk’s lawyer, Marc Toberoff, has suggested that as a non-profit entity, OpenAI may be compelled to consider such a substantial offer. However, OpenAI remains focused on its own investment and growth strategy. In October 2024, the company secured $6.6 billion in funding, valuing it at $157 billion, with Microsoft as its primary backer. Recent reports suggest OpenAI is in talks to raise additional funding that could push its valuation to as high as $340 billion. The clash between Musk and Altman has also played out in Washington, where both tech leaders have been active during the early weeks of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Altman recently appeared alongside Trump at the White House to announce a major AI infrastructure project, Stargate, designed to expand AI data centres with an initial investment of $100 billion. Musk, in turn, has launched the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at reducing federal spending. Musk has publicly criticised Stargate, arguing that Altman and his investors lack the financial means to execute such an ambitious project. Trump himself has acknowledged the rift, remarking in a press conference that he is aware of Musk’s strong dislike for a key member of the Stargate initiative, presumably referring to Altman. OpenAI’s leadership remains committed to restructuring the company into a for-profit entity while maintaining its original mission. The proposed changes would see the non-profit arm retain equity in the commercial business but relinquish control over its operations. Musk, however, insists that OpenAI must return to its open-source roots. “It’s time for OpenAI to return to the safety-focused force for good it once was. We will make sure that happens,” he said in a statement. Despite the high-profile nature of Musk’s bid, analysts believe OpenAI is unlikely to entertain the offer, given its backing from Microsoft and other investors. For now, the battle for control of AI’s future continues, both in the boardroom and the courtroom. Based on a report in The Washington Post 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

Farmers protested in Gloucester, Stroud and Tewkesbury More than 70 tractors took to the roads in Gloucestershire as farmers staged a major protest against upcoming changes to inheritance tax laws. Convoys of agricultural vehicles moved through Gloucester, Stroud, and Tewkesbury, joining similar demonstrations across England, including outside Westminster. The protests were sparked by the government’s decision to introduce a 20% inheritance tax on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million from April 2026. While exemptions will allow many farming families to avoid paying tax on the first £3 million of assets, industry leaders warn that the new rules could devastate small and medium-sized farms. Alan Hocken said the future for young farmers is "doom and gloom" Speaking at the protest in Gloucester, Alan Hocken of Grange Farm described the changes as a direct threat to farming livelihoods. “We’re working on very, very tight margins as it is,” he said. “We do this job because we have a passion for it and to feed the country. The government needs to wake up and understand the pressures we’re under. This inheritance tax will ruin us,it’s as simple as that.” Farmers argue that the increased tax burden will force many to sell land or assets, making family-run farms unviable and potentially pushing up food prices. Under the new rules, the first £1.325 million of agricultural assets will remain tax-free due to general exemptions, and farmers can transfer assets to their spouse without incurring tax. For farming couples, this could raise the total untaxed amount to £3 million. The government insists that most farms will not be affected. The Prime Minister defended the changes, stating that the policy ensures fairness while generating revenue for essential public services. Dr Simon Opher, who was elected as Stroud's MP in July, said the new measures were "tough but necessary" Labour MP:Stroud MP Simon Opher, speaking in support of the tax, acknowledged the concerns of farmers but insisted the policy was needed to fund services such as the NHS. “In normal circumstances, farmers will get £3 million tax-free, and after that, they’ll pay half the usual inheritance tax rate,” Dr Opher explained. “I realise this is tough because it’s new, but we feel it is necessary to ensure we can properly fund key public services and the NHS.” The tax debate has ignited political tensions, with opposition MPs and farming groups calling for further exemptions or a complete rollback of the policy. The protests coincided with a parliamentary debate on tax exemptions for working farms, increasing pressure on ministers to reconsider the changes. As protests continue, farming unions warn that this could be just the beginning of sustained action unless the government revisits its decision. Based on an article from The BBC 11.02.2025 -- 2025-02-12

A World Food Program's flag flutters on the roof of WFP's headquaters after the WFP won the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, in Rome, Italy October 9, 2020. REUTERS/Remo Casilli/File Photo The United States has lifted its pause on food donations to the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP), allowing the resumption of crucial aid deliveries that had been left in limbo for weeks. The suspension had halted the shipment of 500,000 metric tons of food, leaving millions of dollars’ worth of assistance stranded at sea or in storage. The WFP confirmed the reversal in a statement on social media, saying: “We can confirm that the recent pause concerning in-kind food assistance to WFP, purchased from U.S. farmers with Title II funds, has been rescinded. This allows for the resumption of food purchases and deliveries under existing USAID agreements.” The suspension stemmed from U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to pause all foreign aid for 90 days while reviewing its alignment with his administration’s “America First” foreign policy. Despite a waiver issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to allow emergency food assistance to continue, the U.S. government still instructed the WFP to stop work on dozens of American-funded grants. The move disrupted the Food for Peace Title II programme, a $2 billion initiative that forms the backbone of U.S. international food aid, jointly managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The sudden halt in funding affected food aid operations in several of the world’s most vulnerable regions, including Yemen, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Haiti, and Mali. Humanitarian organisations criticised the suspension, warning that the uncertainty put $489 million worth of food assistance at risk. Many aid groups were left scrambling to decide whether to continue their programmes without any financial guarantees from Washington. A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the situation. Aid officials have voiced frustration at what they describe as a lack of clarity surrounding the Trump administration’s foreign aid review. Many organisations were left uncertain whether their programmes fell under the waiver or whether they risked financial losses by continuing operations. Despite the resumption of food donations, experts warn that the pause has already disrupted supply chains and delayed deliveries, potentially worsening food insecurity in conflict zones and impoverished nations. While the immediate crisis may have been averted, the long-term future of U.S. foreign aid remains uncertain as the administration continues its review of international assistance policies. Based on a article from Reuters 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

Locals laid flowers at the school's gate to mourn the eight-year-old student A female teacher has fatally stabbed an eight-year-old girl at an elementary school in the central city of Daejeon, in a crime that has deeply shocked the nation. The teacher, who is in her 40s, confessed to the attack, according to police. The young student was found with stab wounds on the second floor of the school building at around 18:00 local time on Monday 10 February and was later pronounced dead at hospital. The teacher was discovered beside her with injuries that police believe may have been self-inflicted. South Korea’s acting president, has ordered a full investigation into the case and urged authorities to introduce measures to prevent such incidents in the future. “It pains me to see such an incident because a school should be our safest space,” he said. “I offer my deep condolences to the victim’s family, who have suffered great shock and agony.” The school was closed on Tuesday 11 February, as a mark of respect, with local residents laying flowers and a stuffed doll at the school gate to mourn the loss of the young girl. Authorities confirmed that the teacher had no prior relationship with the victim. However, she had exhibited violent behaviour in the days leading up to the attack, including putting a colleague in a headlock. The teacher had initially requested a six-month leave of absence on 9 December 2024, due to depression but returned to work just 20 days later after being assessed as fit for duty. Since her return, she had not been assigned to any classes and had been kept under close supervision. Education officials had visited the school on Monday morning, just hours before the stabbing, to investigate the teacher’s previous altercation with a co-worker. Following that attack, the education office had recommended placing her on leave and physically separating her from other staff. She had been instructed to sit beside the vice-principal’s desk to be monitored closely. The eight-year-old girl was first reported missing on Monday evening when a school bus driver alerted the school that she had not arrived for pickup. Shortly afterward, she was discovered on the second floor of the building with fatal injuries. Police have stated that they will continue questioning the teacher once she recovers from surgery. South Korea is considered one of the world’s safest countries, with strict gun control laws and low rates of violent crime. However, recent years have seen several high-profile stabbing incidents, raising concerns among the public. This latest tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stronger mental health assessments for teachers and stricter safety measures in schools. Authorities have pledged to review current policies to prevent a similar incident from occurring again. Based on an article from BBC 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in New York. A top official at the U.S. Department of Justice has ordered federal prosecutors to drop charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams and halt the ongoing investigation. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) The U.S. Justice Department has ordered federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, citing concerns that the case was interfering with his ability to support President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. In a rare intervention, acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove issued a two-page memo directing prosecutors in New York to “dismiss” the bribery charges against Adams immediately. The memo stated that the order was not based on the strength of evidence but on the timing of the prosecution, which Bove argued was distracting the mayor from his duties. “The pending prosecution has unduly restricted Mayor Adams’ ability to devote full attention and resources to the illegal immigration and violent crime,” Bove wrote. The Justice Department’s decision has sparked outrage among legal experts and political figures, who say it marks a significant departure from long-standing norms. Public officials, including President Trump himself during his first term, have been investigated without claims that their duties should shield them from legal scrutiny. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York declined to comment on the order. The case against Adams was brought under former U.S. Attorney Damien Williams, who stepped down before Trump returned to the presidency. Critics argue that the Justice Department’s intervention raises serious concerns about political interference in the legal process. The memo also instructed prosecutors not to take any further investigative steps against Adams until after the November mayoral election, though it left open the possibility of refiling charges at a later date. The bribery case against Adams stemmed from allegations that he accepted illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel perks worth over $100,000 while serving as Brooklyn Borough President. Prosecutors claimed that a Turkish official who facilitated the trips later sought political favours, including asking Adams to lobby the New York Fire Department to approve a 36-story diplomatic building for Turkey’s president. Adams, a Democrat who campaigned on a centrist platform, has shifted noticeably to the right following his indictment, which has led to speculation that he sought leniency from the Trump administration. Previously an advocate for protecting undocumented migrants, Adams has since softened his stance, suggesting that Trump’s policies may be better for New York than those of former President Joe Biden. He has also pledged to roll back the city’s “sanctuary” policies, aligning himself more closely with the Trump administration’s law-and-order agenda. Several of Adams’ Democratic rivals in the upcoming mayoral primary have accused him of striking a political deal to secure the Justice Department’s intervention. “Instead of standing up for New Yorkers, Adams is standing up for precisely one person,” said Brad Lander, the city’s comptroller and a mayoral challenger. State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani called for an investigation into whether Adams had “cut any kind of deal with the Trump administration that involves breaking city law.” The mayor’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, welcomed the Justice Department’s decision, stating: “Now, thankfully, the mayor and New York can put this unfortunate and misguided prosecution behind them.” Trump has previously suggested that Adams was being unfairly targeted for criticising Biden’s immigration policies. In December, the former president hinted at a possible pardon for Adams, telling reporters: “He’s been treated pretty unfairly.” Trump has often drawn parallels between his own legal troubles and those of Adams, saying in October: “I know what it’s like to be persecuted by the DOJ for speaking out against open borders. We were persecuted, Eric. I was persecuted, and so are you, Eric.” Despite the Justice Department’s order to drop the case, prosecutors had recently stated that their investigation into Adams was ongoing. In January, court filings suggested that investigators were still uncovering additional evidence of criminal conduct. New York City mayor Eric Adams departs Manhattan federal court after an appearance, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File) Federal agents had also been probing other senior officials in Adams’ administration. Prior to his indictment, authorities seized phones from a police commissioner, the schools chancellor, multiple deputy mayors, and the mayor’s director of Asian affairs—all of whom have since resigned. In December, Adams’ chief adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was indicted on state corruption charges related to real estate bribery. The Justice Department’s decision to halt the prosecution of a sitting mayor so close to an election is highly unusual and raises concerns about the politicisation of law enforcement. Legal analysts warn that allowing a high-ranking official to evade prosecution due to political convenience could set a dangerous precedent. Whether the charges will be reinstated after the election remains to be seen, but the controversy is unlikely to fade anytime soon. Based on an article from AP 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

Assisted dying cases in England and Wales would no longer require High Court approval under changes proposed by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who is spearheading the bill. Currently, the proposed law mandates that a High Court judge must confirm each individual’s eligibility and ensure they have not been coerced into choosing to die. However Leadbeater will suggest replacing this requirement with an expert panel to oversee applications, in response to concerns about the court’s capacity to handle each case. Leadbeater insists the amendments will strengthen the safeguards rather than weaken them. “This bill already contains the strongest safeguards anywhere in the world, but I promised to listen to expert advice, and that is what I have done,” she said. However, critics are likely to argue that removing judicial oversight could dilute protections against potential abuse. If passed, the bill would allow terminally ill adults with a prognosis of six months or less to seek assistance in ending their lives. Leadbeater’s proposed amendment would establish a review panel chaired by a senior legal expert, but not necessarily a judge. The panel would include professionals such as psychiatrists and social workers, with the possibility of High Court review in disputed cases. Oversight of the process would be assigned to a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commission, led by a High Court judge or senior former judge. The commission would be responsible for selecting panel members, overseeing cases, and reporting annually on applications, approvals, and rejections. Government officials have been consulted on the proposed change, although the government maintains a neutral stance on the bill. The amendment, currently being drafted by civil servants, is set to be published later this week. The proposed shift follows concerns raised by legal experts regarding the feasibility of the High Court reviewing every case. Sir Nicholas Mostyn, a retired High Court judge, warned that the requirement would be “impossible” to implement, stating: “You’re talking about nearly three-quarters of the entire Family Division doing nothing but this.” He suggested a two-member panel, comprising a doctor and a lawyer, as a more practical solution. Leadbeater acknowledged the importance of involving professionals beyond the judiciary. “Many experts recommended a greater role for psychiatrists and social workers in assessing an applicant’s ability to make a voluntary decision free from coercion,” she said. The bill remains under detailed scrutiny in Parliament, with MPs debating over 300 amendments. Among them, Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon has proposed an expansion to allow those with neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson’s, to apply if they have 12 months to live. The current bill restricts eligibility to those with six months or less. Gordon argued: “For those with neurodegenerative conditions, in their last six months, it may be too late for them to engage in the process of applying.” Labour MP Jess Asato, who opposes the bill, criticised the proposed change as a “very late amendment” that could undermine safeguards. “Some MPs may have supported the bill on the understanding that a High Court judge would be involved. Now, they may question whether this legislation has been properly thought through,” she said. MPs voted in favour of legalising assisted dying in November by a majority of 55. However, the bill must still pass further debates in the Commons and Lords before becoming law. Based on an article from The BBC 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

A woman in the United States has filed a lawsuit against Andrew and Tristan Tate, accusing the controversial internet personalities of conspiring to coerce her into sex work, luring her to Romania, and defaming her after she provided testimony to Romanian authorities. The civil complaint, filed in Florida on Monday 10 February, was first reported by The New York Times and is the first known lawsuit against the Tate brothers to be brought in the United States. The brothers, who have gained notoriety on social media, are already facing multiple legal battles in Romania and Britain. They stand accused of forming an organised criminal group, human trafficking, trafficking of minors, engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor, and money laundering. Both have denied any wrongdoing. The woman, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, previously faced a defamation lawsuit from the Tate brothers in 2023. In her lawsuit, she claims the brothers sought to “bully and harass” her through their legal action. The Times reported that Doe, aged 23, along with her parents, had been granted anonymity by the court due to safety concerns. Representatives for Andrew and Tristan Tate were not immediately available for comment. However, their lawyer, Joseph D. McBride, told The New York Times that there was no evidence his clients had engaged in human trafficking and that “the truth is on their side.” Andrew Tate, 38, and his brother Tristan, 36, are among the most high-profile suspects facing trial for human trafficking in Romania. Last month, a Romanian court lifted Andrew Tate’s house arrest, replacing it with a less restrictive preventative measure while the criminal investigation continues. He had been under house arrest since August 2024, when prosecutors opened a second criminal case against him, his brother, and four other suspects. A previous criminal case against Andrew Tate was dismissed in December when the Bucharest Court of Appeals ruled against his prosecution and sent the case back to investigators. The Tate brothers, both former kickboxers with dual U.S. and British citizenship, continue to deny all allegations and have claimed they are victims of a politically motivated campaign. -- 2025-02-12

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit at the Grand Palais in Paris (Michel Euler/AP) French President Emmanuel Macron has urged artificial intelligence (AI) firms to choose France and Europe for their AI development, as he closed the first day of the AI Action Summit in Paris. The two-day summit has been seen as a key moment for nations to stake their claim as global leaders in AI, especially in the wake of the recent disruption caused by the Chinese app DeepSeek, which has created a potential power vacuum in the AI sector. The UK’s Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, is attending the summit and highlighted the UK’s newly launched AI Opportunities Action Plan. This plan promises significant investments in AI infrastructure and aims to integrate AI more broadly into the public sector, streamlining operations. Mr Kyle stated before the summit that the UK’s action plan would reinforce the country’s position as a pioneer in the field. However, President Macron made a passionate case for France as a competitor to both the UK and the US in the race for AI dominance. Speaking at the summit, Macron emphasised that French and European regulations would safeguard copyright and protect human creativity. He reassured attendees that France would not abandon the values it holds dear, including the preservation of a fair and regulated digital landscape. In his appeal to major US tech companies, such as Google and OpenAI, Macron stated that France would collaborate with partners globally, regardless of geopolitical tensions. He noted that both France and the European Union were committed to introducing “smart regulation” to ensure responsible AI development. Macron also highlighted France’s energy resources as a key factor in its competitiveness. He pointed out that France’s vast nuclear energy capacity made it a more sustainable and viable location for large-scale data centres, which are essential to power the energy-hungry AI sector. In contrast, he took a swipe at US President Donald Trump’s emphasis on drilling for oil, saying, “It’s just ‘plug, baby, plug’. Electricity is available. You can plug. It’s ready.” Ahead of the summit, Macron had announced an investment of around £91 billion in French AI projects over the next few years. He declared that this investment would allow France to reassert its position in the global AI race. On the second day of the summit, further announcements were expected, including the unveiling of a new EU AI strategy focused on regulation and investment in computing capacity. Concluding his speech, Macron delivered an emphatic statement: “Long live AI, long live the Republic, and long live France.” On Tuesday 11 February, world leaders are set to discuss key issues around AI development, including sustainability, safety, and governance. A new declaration on the future of AI is expected to be signed at the summit’s close. Based on an article from the Independent 11.02.2025. -- 2025-02-12

Thai Fishermen Save Woman Floating in Sea for Six Hours Photo via Channel 7 In a dramatic sea rescue, fishermen in Krabi, Thailand, saved a 46-year-old foreign woman named Malanie, who had been adrift for six hours. The incident occurred on February 10, about 6 kilometers off the coast of Koh Lanta. Arun, a local, informed the community leader in Khlong Thom district about the incredible rescue made by her employees. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1351478-thai-fishermen-save-woman-floating-in-sea-for-six-hours/

Fire Breaks Out at 7-Eleven Store in Sriracha, Customers and Staff Flee in Panic A fire broke out at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 848/46, Pong Sa Ket, Huai Prap, Sriracha, Chonburi, at 11:05 on 11 February. The emergency services were alerted and quickly dispatched fire crews from the Takian Tia and Bo Win municipal fire departments, along with officers from the Sriracha district administration and local rescue teams. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351474-fire-breaks-out-at-7-eleven-store-in-sriracha-customers-and-staff-flee-in-panic/

Pictures from responders. A fire broke out at a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 848/46, Pong Sa Ket, Huai Prap, Sriracha, Chonburi, at 11:05 on 11 February. The emergency services were alerted and quickly dispatched fire crews from the Takian Tia and Bo Win municipal fire departments, along with officers from the Sriracha district administration and local rescue teams. Upon arrival, fire crews found the building engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing from the store. Both employees and customers inside the store were evacuated to safety as the fire started and intensified rapidly. The emergency teams focused on preventing the fire from spreading further and worked for over an hour to bring the flames under control. By noon, the fire was extinguished, leaving only smoldering remains of the structure. The store and all its contents were severely damaged. Shelves were warped by the intense heat, and merchandise inside the store was completely destroyed. The building was left as a shell of its former self. Mr Thanapong Hutthamongkol, 27, a witness to the incident, reported that he saw sparks coming from a pole near the side of the store. The fire spread up the wall before anyone inside could react. As the flames grew rapidly, he alerted the staff and customers to evacuate immediately. Although a staff member attempted to use an extinguisher, it was ineffective. Realising the danger, Mr Hutthamongkol swiftly evacuated the premises and moved cars away from the parking lot, all while contacting emergency services. Chonburi police officers from the Bo Win precinct arrived at the scene to investigate and reviewed CCTV footage which captured the moments before the fire broke out. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. The damage is estimated to be at least 5 million baht, though there were no reports of injuries. Police and fire investigators from the Chonburi Provincial Evidence Department will continue to examine the site in the coming days to determine the exact cause of the blaze. -- 2025-02-11

Really! So you think that landing with a defective front landing gear, in a fully loaded 777, the pilot should not declare an emergency. What do you suggest, attempt the landing without emergency vehicles on standard and have nothing prepared. Then if something goes wrong, it is too late. Clearly no idea about airport emergency response!

Man Dies After Falling into Waste Sorting Machine at Nakhon Ratchasima Facility An incident occurred at a municipal waste sorting facility in Nakhon Ratchasima, where a 20-year-old worker was killed after falling into a machine designed to process waste. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351422-man-dies-after-falling-into-waste-sorting-machine-at-nakhon-ratchasima-facility/

Pictures from responders. An incident occurred at a municipal waste sorting facility in Nakhon Ratchasima, where a 20-year-old worker was killed after falling into a machine designed to process waste. At approximately 16.00 on 10 February, officers from the Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station were called to the scene at the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipal Waste Disposal Centre, located in the Phoklang subdistrict. Upon arrival, authorities found the body of Mr. Anuwat trapped in a rotating screw conveyor shaft of a waste sorting machine. The young man, who had been working at the facility for around 11 months, became entangled in the machine’s rotating spiral, which ultimately led to his death. Despite efforts from the Sawang Metta Rescue Unit, who used hydraulic cutters to carefully extract his body, the victim’s injuries were severe and he was confirmed dead at the scene. According to initial investigations, Mr. Anuwat had been taking a short break to drink water before returning to his duties. His colleagues heard a loud noise and rushed to the area, finding the young man trapped and mangled in the machine. It is believed that he may have lost his footing while inspecting the conveyor belt system and fell into the active machine. The Nakhon Ratchasima Waste Disposal Centre, which processes up to 500 tons of waste per day, has several systems in place, including one for sorting community waste, organic waste composting, and producing fuel from non-biodegradable materials like plastic. A full investigation to determine the precise cause of the fatality is underway -- 2025-02-11

Man Killed by Neighbour in Brutal Machete Attack Over Dog Shooting Dispute A 46-year-old man was brutally killed by his neighbour in Roi Et following an argument over the shooting of a dog. The suspect was arrested shortly after the attack, with a bloodstained machete in his possession. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351421-man-killed-by-neighbour-in-brutal-machete-attack-over-dog-shooting-dispute/

Picture from responders. A 46-year-old man was brutally killed by his neighbour in Roi Et following an argument over the shooting of a dog. The suspect was arrested shortly after the attack, with a bloodstained machete in his possession. Police in Chaturaphak Phiman district, Roi Et, were called to the scene of a fatal attack at a house under construction in Ban Dong Kheng, Pa Sang subdistrict, at around 08:00 on 10 February. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Mr. Kampha Laodee, 46, lying on his back in the dirt beside the house. A preliminary examination revealed multiple deep slash wounds on the right side of his neck and his right wrist. His skull had also been severely fractured, suggesting he had been struck with a heavy object. Blood was pooled around his body. Following an investigation, police tracked down and arrested the suspect, identified as Mr. Kaew Wanarin, 44, at his home just 200 metres from the crime scene. He was found in possession of a bloodstained machete, measuring approximately 94 cm, which is believed to be the murder weapon. A drug test revealed that Mr. Kaew had amphetamines in his system at the time of the attack. He has since been charged with murder and carrying a weapon in public without justifiable reason. The attack is believed to have been motivated by a dispute between the two men after the victim allegedly criticised the suspect for shooting a dog and injuring it. Authorities continue to investigate the case. -- 2025-02-11

Toddler Rolls Into Busy Four-Lane Road in Chachoengsao, Rescued by Passerby A two-year-old girl narrowly avoided a tragic incident, after her push-along toy rolled into the middle of a busy four-lane road in Chachoengsao. A quick-thinking passer-by alerted her father, who had been unaware of the incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1351419-toddler-rolls-into-busy-four-lane-road-in-chachoengsao-rescued-by-passerby/

Picture captured from dash-cam. A two-year-old girl narrowly avoided a tragic incident, after her push-along toy rolled into the middle of a busy four-lane road in Chachoengsao. A quick-thinking passer-by alerted her father, who had been unaware of the incident. On 10 February, a shocking incident in Chachoengsao was caught on a dashboard camera and later shared on social media. The video showed a toddler in a push-along toy rolling onto the busy Sirisothon Road, heading towards the New Market area in Phadrew. The post read: “Today, while driving in Phadrew, I saw a child in a push-along toy roll into the middle of the road near the market. I barely had time to stop and jump out to help, along with another driver. This should serve as a reminder for parents to always keep a close watch on their children.” Reporters later spoke to Mr. Adithep, 40, the father of the child, identified as two-and-a-half-year-old Print. He revealed that at the time of the incident, he had been watching television in another room while his daughter played nearby. Unaware that she had wandered outside, he only realised what had happened when a passer-by ran in to inform him. According to Mr. Adithep, his daughter had been playing with two pet kittens in the push-along toy. When one of them, a black kitten, jumped out and ran away, she likely attempted to chase it. The toy then rolled down a slope in front of a nearby shop, sending her straight into the road. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan acted quickly and lifted the child to safety before any vehicles could hit her. The area where the incident occurred is notorious for fast-moving vehicles, making the toddler’s escape all the more miraculous. Mr. Adithep has since urged all parents and caregivers to never leave young children unattended, even for a moment. “I’ve seen similar incidents in the news before, but I never thought it would happen to me. We were lucky this time. I want to thank the kind strangers who saved my daughter’s life,” he said. -- 2025-02-11