Georgealbert

UPDATE Three Foreign Tourists Dead in Khao San Road Hotel Fire Identified Bangkok authorities have identified the nationalities of three foreign tourists who tragically died in a hotel fire near Khao San Road on the night of December 29. The victims were a Brazilian woman, a Ukrainian man, and an American man. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347470-hotel-fire-near-khao-san-road-leaves-3-dead-many-rescued-from-roof/page/2/#findComment-19480176

UPDATE Three Foreign Tourists Dead in Khao San Road Hotel Fire Identified Bangkok authorities have identified the nationalities of three foreign tourists who tragically died in a hotel fire near Khao San Road on the night of December 29. The victims were a Brazilian woman, a Ukrainian man, and an American man. The Brazilian victim, recently engaged to her boyfriend, tragically lost her life after re-entering the building. According to reports, she became separated from her fiancé during the chaotic escape and was found in room 511, where she apparently sought refuge. Her fiancé survived the blaze but was left devastated by her death. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the hotel had two fire escapes but lacked a sprinkler system. The absence of sprinklers complied with local regulations, as the building was too small to require such safety measures under current laws. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in smaller accommodations, with officials urging stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire and assess whether any negligence contributed to the loss of life. -- 2024-12-30

It was the term reported used by the minister and reported in the Korean English language media.

Day 3 Sees Ramps Up New Year Road Safety Measures with Strict Alcohol Checks and Penalties Authorities are stepping up road safety efforts during the New Year celebrations, with stricter enforcement of traffic laws and alcohol checks across the country. Measures include adjusted checkpoint locations near major event venues and harsh penalties for offenders, especially underage drink drivers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347516-day-3-sees-ramps-up-new-year-road-safety-measures-with-strict-alcohol-checks-and-penalties/

Authorities are stepping up road safety efforts during the New Year celebrations, with stricter enforcement of traffic laws and alcohol checks across the country. Measures include adjusted checkpoint locations near major event venues and harsh penalties for offenders, especially underage drink drivers. At a press briefing on December 30, Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, reported that most people have already reached their holiday destinations and are now participating in New Year’s Eve festivities. However, the increased gatherings raise the risk of drink-driving-related crashes. The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), has ordered enhanced alcohol testing and traffic monitoring to prevent accidents. Special attention is being paid to drivers under the age of 20. Offenders in this age group will not only face maximum legal penalties but will also trigger investigations targeting alcohol vendors, enablers, and guardians. Mobile alcohol vendors operating near event venues will also face intensified scrutiny. Over the past three days (27–29 December), authorities have handled 1,763 traffic cases, including drink-driving offences. In four cases, electronic monitoring (EM) devices have been issued. Offenders found to have alcohol addiction issues will be sent to rehabilitation centres. Mr. Chettha Mosikarat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, has instructed provincial authorities to intensify enforcement across all sectors, including police, military, and community groups. Additional checkpoints have been set up along secondary routes, village roads, and main highways to monitor risky behaviour, such as speeding, drink-driving, and failure to use safety equipment. High-risk areas, including routes near tourist hotspots, entertainment venues, and New Year event locations, will be prioritised. Local authorities are also working to raise public awareness of traffic laws and the consequences of violations. Deputy Director of the DDPM, Mr. Saharat Wongsakulwiwat, highlighted weather-related risks in southern provinces, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat, which are experiencing rain and slippery roads. Northern and northeastern provinces are facing cold conditions, particularly on mountain peaks. Drivers in these regions are advised to use fog lights and avoid high-risk roads. As part of the “Safe Driving, Zero Accidents” campaign, the DDPM reported 280 road accidents on 29 December alone, resulting in 269 injuries and 47 fatalities. Speeding accounted for 38.57% of accidents, while drink-driving was the cause in 23.21%. Motorcycles were involved in 82.98% of incidents. Most accidents occurred on straight roads (82.14%) between 16:01 and 17:00. The majority of victims were aged 20–29 years (22.47%). Key statistics for 29 December include: • Provinces with the highest accidents: Surat Thani (12 incidents) • Provinces with the most injuries: Lopburi and Surat Thani (10 each) • Province with the most fatalities: Sakon Nakhon (4 deaths) Related article: 93 Dead, 575 Injured in Two Days of New Year Road Crashes: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347449-93-dead-575-injured-in-two-days-of-new-year-road-crashes/ Cumulatively, from 27–29 December, there have been 872 accidents, 841 injuries, and 143 fatalities. Ayutthaya recorded the highest number of accidents (35), while Bangkok reported the most fatalities (7). Nineteen provinces have achieved zero fatalities during this period. -- 2024-12-30

The statement was made by Joo Jong-wan, aviation policy chief at the Ministry of Transport, at a press briefing this morning. I would suggest he has a better information and data, than basing an assumption on a few Youtube videos!

Not sure if this building had sprinklers or not. The last version of The Building Safety Control Act, I say in English was dated 1992, so unsure what changes if any have been made since. The guidance then required buildings with more than eight floors to have sprinkler system. I am from the UK and regulations there now require sprinklers if the building is above 11m. Extinguishers are of little use, unless at the initial stages of a fire, and given the amount of smoke here may been more dangerous for untrained or trained person to attempt to enter heavy smoke logging. The fire does appear to have been contained to the room of origin. Yes I am making a few assumptions based on the pictures and videos I have seen, but the fire room shows extensive damage and the poor victim’s body has heat and fire damage, although I would expect they died of smoke inhalation before the fire damaged the body. Fire and heat damage beyond the room of origin appears limited, but without a visual inspection that is impossible to confirm. My concern is the failing of the passive fire safety measures, that allowed so much smoke to block corridors and stairways, thus making means of escape impossible and so needing to be rescued from the roof. Most fire doors in Thailand are not fitted with a smoke seal, so unless the door is a perfect fit, then smoke will escape. The safety inspection will need to look if any compartment walls had openings or fittings which allowed smoke travel. Were there fire doors onto the staircases and were these wedged/secured open. Was the room fitted with smoke or heat detectors, which will determine the time for the fire alarm to sound.

UPDATE Seoul to Inspect All Boeing 737-800 Aircraft After Fatal Jeju Air Crash The South Korean government has announced a comprehensive safety inspection of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by domestic airlines following a devastating crash involving a Jeju Air flight that claimed 179 lives. The crash, which occurred at Muan International Airport in Muan County, 290 kilometres southwest of Seoul, involved flight 7C2216. The aircraft belly-landed after its landing gear failed to deploy, veering off the runway and colliding with a fence. Joo Jong-wan, aviation policy chief at the Ministry of Transport, stated in a briefing at the Sejong government complex that rigorous inspections of Jeju Air’s fleet and operational practices are now underway. Jeju Air, which operates 39 Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the largest number among South Korea’s low-cost carriers, has been under scrutiny due to repeated landing gear malfunctions. The ministry is set to examine compliance with regulations, maintenance records, and aircraft utilisation rates across all airlines operating the Boeing model. Other low-cost carriers, including T’way Air, Jin Air, and Eastar Jet, collectively operate an additional 56 Boeing 737-800 planes. “We plan to implement rigorous aviation safety inspections in response to these incidents,” Joo said, highlighting that Jeju Air’s high aircraft utilization rates may have contributed to the crash. On December 30, another Jeju Air flight using the same Boeing model was forced to return to Gimpo International Airport mid-flight due to a similar landing gear issue. The transport ministry promptly dispatched safety inspectors to Jeju Air to investigate. Meanwhile, one of the two flight data recorders from the crash site was found with external damage and has been sent to Gimpo International Airport for analysis. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, along with Boeing and engine manufacturer CFM International, will assist in the investigation. Jeju Air, South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier, has faced criticism over its maintenance practices following the crash. The airline is known for its high aircraft utilisation rates, which some experts believe could strain maintenance schedules. The tragedy has raised questions about the safety of low-cost carriers, with calls for stricter regulatory oversight and improved maintenance protocols to prevent future disasters. This fatal accident has shocked the nation, especially as it comes during the busy holiday travel season. The government has pledged to ensure aviation safety to restore public confidence and prevent similar incidents in the future. -- 2024-12-30

Fatal Car Crash in Sukhothai Leaves One Dead and Two Injured A car crash occurred on the evening of 29 December, near the Thung Thale Luang Bullring in Mueang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sukhothai. The crash left one man dead and two women injured after the driver lost control and collided with a tree on the central reservation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347497-fatal-car-crash-in-sukhothai-leaves-one-dead-and-two-injured/

Picture from responders. A car crash occurred on the evening of 29 December, near the Thung Thale Luang Bullring in Mueang Kao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sukhothai. The crash left one man dead and two women injured after the driver lost control and collided with a tree on the central reservation. Emergency services were alerted at approximately 19:45 by Sukhothai’s 191 radio centre. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and discovered a black Toyota Altis, registration number from Bangkok, severely damaged. The crash claimed the life of the driver Mr. Phansak Picharn, 30, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Two female passengers were injured: Ms. Kanyarat Punyapan, 26, who suffered abrasions and a fractured leg. Ms. Thanaporn Pradit, 30, with similar injuries. Both injured women were trapped inside the wreckage and were extricated by rescue teams before being transported to Sukhothai Hospital for medical treatment. Initial reports indicate that the victims were travelling to Khao Kaeo Si Sombun Subdistrict in Thung Saliam District, Sukhothai, to celebrate the New Year with their families. They had reportedly stopped to stock up on supplies before the crash occurred. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with local authorities working to determine whether speed, road conditions, or driver error contributed to the incident. -- 2024-12-30

UPDATE Khaosan Road Hotel Fire: 3 Tourists Dead, 7 Injured A fire broke out at a hotel on Tani Road in Bangkok’s Khaosan Road area late on 29 December, claiming the lives of three people and injuring seven others. The incident, which occurred at approximately 21:20, prompted a swift response from firefighters who managed to contain the blaze before it spread further. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347470-hotel-fire-near-khao-san-road-leaves-3-dead-many-rescued-from-roof/#findComment-19479381

UPDATE Khaosan Road Hotel Fire: 3 Tourists Dead, 7 Injured Picture from responders. A fire broke out at a hotel on Tani Road in Bangkok’s Khaosan Road area late on 29 December, claiming the lives of three people and injuring seven others. The incident, which occurred at approximately 21:20, prompted a swift response from firefighters who managed to contain the blaze before it spread further. Authorities identified the fire’s origin on the fifth floor, where a foreign female tourist was found dead in her room. Two additional victims succumbed to their injuries at local hospitals. Officials revealed that 39 staff and guests were present at the time of the fire, out of a total 75 registered guests. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspected the site and confirmed that the fire was contained rapidly. However, dense smoke posed significant challenges for the rescue operation. Governor Chadchart has ordered the hotel to suspend operations temporarily to allow for a thorough safety inspection and has cordoned off the area to prevent theft or unauthorised access.. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom stated that survivors have been invited to provide statements at Chana Songkhram Police Station. Identification procedures for the victims are ongoing, and the remaining guests have been relocated to alternative accommodations arranged by the hotel. Casualty Report The Rama 199 Radio Centre provided a summary of the casualties: Injured; 1. Male, Japanese national, suffered smoke inhalation, treated at Rama 9 Hospital. 2. Female, unidentified foreigner, unconscious, admitted to Central Hospital’s CCU. 3. Male, Thai national, minor smoke inhalation, declined hospital treatment. 4. Male, Thai national (34 years old), smoke inhalation, treated at Hua Chiew Hospital. 5. Male, German national (34 years old), suffered burns to hands, treated at Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital. 6. Female, German national (32 years old), sustained back pain and smoke inhalation after jumping from height, treated at Thonburi Bamrungmuang Hospital. 7. Male, Chinese national, unconscious, admitted to Hua Chiew Hospital’s ICU. Deceased; 1. Female, unidentified foreigner, found dead at the scene. 2. Male, unidentified foreigner, unconscious at the scene, later died at Samitivej Chinatown Hospital. 3. Male, unidentified foreigner, unconscious at the scene, later died at Vajira Hospital. Forensic investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire, with results expected to support legal proceedings against those responsible. -- 2024-12-30

Tour Bus Crashes into Lorry: 17 Injured as Driver Admits to Picking Up Mobile Phone A tourist bus carrying 43 international passengers collided with a lorry transporting rubber sheets on the Asia Highway 41 in Chumphon province early morning on December 30, leaving 17 injured. The incident occurred at around 04:00 near the Wat Phangun curve in Sawi district. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347492-tour-bus-crashes-into-lorry-17-injured-as-driver-admits-to-picking-up-mobile-phone/

Picture from responders. A tourist bus carrying 43 international passengers collided with a lorry transporting rubber sheets on the Asia Highway 41 in Chumphon province early morning on December 30, leaving 17 injured. The incident occurred at around 04:00 near the Wat Phangun curve in Sawi district. According to police reports, the double-decker bus, which was chartered to transport foreign tourists from Bangkok’s Khaosan Road to Surat Thani, crashed into the lorry when the 71-year-old Thai driver admitted to bending down to retrieve his mobile phone. Emergency services, led by Police Lieutenant Kriengsak Wetchateng and local rescue teams, rushed to the scene. The injured passengers, including tourists from New Zealand, the United States, Spain, Hungary, France, England, and Israel, were transported to three hospitals in the area. Eleven were treated at Sawi Hospital, four at Thung Tako Hospital, and two at Chumphon Hospital. Passengers with minor injuries or those unhurt were provided temporary shelter at the “Ruanjai Unairak” Community Centre near the Sawi District Office. Local officials and police tourism units ensured they received food, water, and necessary support. The driver of the bus and the lorry involved have been detained for questioning by the Sawi Police Station. Preliminary investigations suggest negligence on the part of the bus driver as the likely cause of the crash. A Myanmar national employed as a bus attendant was reported missing after the crash and is currently being sought by authorities. -- 2024-12-30

Fire from Funeral Fireworks Destroys Van in Suphan Buri A funeral ritual in Suphan Buri turned into a near disaster when fireworks lit to send off the deceased caused a blaze that destroyed a van, partially damaged another vehicle, and threatened nearby homes. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347486-fire-from-funeral-fireworks-destroys-van-in-suphan-buri/

Picture from responders. A funeral ritual in Suphan Buri turned into a near disaster when fireworks lit to send off the deceased caused a blaze that destroyed a van, partially damaged another vehicle, and threatened nearby homes. The incident occurred at 16:30 on December 29, in Don Chedi district, at a residence in Moo 3, Ban Don Thua. Emergency services, including fire crews from Don Chedi Municipality, responded promptly to reports of a fire at the rear of the property. Upon arrival, they found flames engulfing a van, registered in Suphan Buri, and rapidly spreading to a nearby stack of hay bales. The fire was dangerously close to the house and cow sheds. With assistance from residents, including the use of a tractor to disperse the hay, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within 30 minutes. Mrs. Yuan, 58, the homeowner, explained that the fire broke out during her mother-in-law’s funeral procession. The deceased, 82-year-old Mrs. Kantho, was being transported for cremation when fireworks were set off as part of a traditional ritual to honour the deceased’s spirit. Although everything seemed fine initially, partway through the procession, neighbours alerted the family to a fire behind the house. The flames had ignited a parked van and lightly damaged a nearby black Toyota Fortuner, registered in Suphan Buri, which was saved from further damage after being moved in time. Mrs. Yuan stated she bore no ill will towards those responsible for the fireworks, acknowledging it as an accident. However, she expressed concerns over the continuation of such practices, saying, “This custom has been followed for generations, but it’s clear that more caution is needed. I urge others organising funerals to take extra care if fireworks are involved.” She added that the quick response of the fire department and neighbours helped avoid a larger catastrophe. If the fire had reached the nearby cow sheds, filled with straw, it could have spread to adjacent family homes. Though no one was hurt, the incident serves as a stark warning about the risks of traditional practices if precautions are not taken. -- 2024-12-30

Truck Collides with Car at Rayong Intersection: Monk and Driver Killed A crash occurred in Rayong’s Ban Khai District on the afternoon of December 29, when a trailer truck collided with a car at an intersection, resulting in the death of a monk and the car’s driver. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347485-truck-collides-with-car-at-rayong-intersection-monk-and-driver-killed/

Picture from responders and CCTV. A crash occurred in Rayong’s Ban Khai District on the afternoon of December 29, when a trailer truck collided with a car at an intersection, resulting in the death of a monk and the car’s driver. The Ban Khai Police Station received reports of the collision at approximately 14:35. The crash took place at a four-way intersection in Moo 3, Chak Bok Subdistrict. Emergency responders, including medics from Ban Khai Hospital and volunteers from the Sawang Porngkuson Rescue Foundation, rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a white trailer truck had smashed into a silver Toyota car, forcing the car into a roadside wall, which was severely damaged. The impact also toppled trees and a traffic light pole. Rescue teams discovered two individuals trapped in the wrecked car: the driver and a 31-year-old monk, later identified as Phra Singha from Wat Nong Kho. Despite their efforts to administer CPR, the monk succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver, identified only by his nickname, “Keng,” sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Rayong Hospital, but it was confirmed later he had died from his injuries. The trailer driver, Mr. Chalermchai, 40, told police that he was driving straight when the car suddenly emerged from the side road. He claimed he could not brake in time, leading to the devastating collision. Authorities have detained Mr. Chalermchai for further questioning and legal proceedings. The families of the deceased have been notified. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. -- 2024-12-30 ScreenRecording_12-29-2024 18-51-55_1.mp4

UPDATE U.S. to Assist South Korea in Probe of Deadly Jeju Air Crash U.S. transportation safety authorities will assist South Korea in investigating the cause of a devastating Jeju Air crash that claimed the lives of 179 people, a U.S. official confirmed on December 30. The tragedy occurred when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, a Boeing 737-800, veered off the runway while attempting a belly landing at Muan International Airport in Muan County, approximately 290 kilometres southwest of Seoul. The plane collided with a fence, resulting in 179 fatalities, with only two survivors rescued. In an email to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the formation of a team, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), to assist South Korea’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB). “The NTSB is leading a team of U.S. investigators, including the FAA and Boeing, to support the Republic of Korea’s ARAIB in their investigation into the Dec. 29 Jeju Air crash,” said Donnell Evans, an FAA communications official. An official from South Korea’s ARAIB, which operates under the transport ministry, revealed that the flight data recorder recovered from the wreckage had sustained damage. “If we encounter difficulties decoding it here, we may need to send it to the NTSB,” the official explained. “Given their global workload, it could take considerable time to analyze the data.” The crash is the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea since 1997, when a Korean Air plane crashed in Guam, killing 225 people. Investigators from both nations are expected to work closely to determine the cause of the crash, with findings anticipated to shed light on one of South Korea’s most tragic aviation incidents in recent history. -- 2024-12-30

Updated article on this story is below:

Pickup Truck Crosses Median, Collides with Multiple Vehicles in Chonburi Pol Lt Navin Suntuwanik, Deputy Inspector of Huai Yai Police Station, responded at 20.05 on December 29, to a crash on Highway 331 near the entrance to Ploy Yai Village in Khao Mai Kaew, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. A pickup truck driver lost control, crossed the central reservation, and collided with several oncoming vehicles, leaving five people injured. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347484-pickup-truck-crosses-median-collides-with-multiple-vehicles-in-chonburi/

Picture from responders. Pol Lt Navin Suntuwanik, Deputy Inspector of Huai Yai Police Station, responded at 20.05 on December 29, to a crash on Highway 331 near the entrance to Ploy Yai Village in Khao Mai Kaew, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. A pickup truck driver lost control, crossed the central reservation, and collided with several oncoming vehicles, leaving five people injured. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers discovered a black Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck (registration from Chonburi) severely damaged, after spinning out of control. The driver, 21-year-old Mr. Teerapat Ploykang, was critically injured and trapped inside the wreckage. Rescuers administered first aid and transported him urgently to hospital. A second vehicle, a black Toyota Camry (registration from Bangkok), sustained heavy damage to its right side after being struck by the pickup. The car veered onto the shoulder of the road. The driver, 55-year-old Mr. Suriyan Sae-iam, suffered minor injuries. The third vehicle involved was an 18-wheel trailer belonging to A&O Transport (registration from Samut Prakan). The trailer lost control and ended up off the road, with the main body blocking all three lanes of the parallel carriageway. The driver, Mr. Likit Chankiew, 31, sustained minor injuries, while his passenger, 28-year-old Ms. Anongnat Somjit, suffered more serious injuries. Both were treated at the scene and rushed to hospital. The fourth vehicle, a black Isuzu D-Max pickup truck (registration from Chonburi), was sideswiped by the trailer as it swerved to avoid the crash. The pickup sustained damage to its right side, but the driver escaped unscathed. Two additional vehicles, a fifth and sixth, were involved due to the poor lighting conditions. Both drivers failed to see the chaos ahead, resulting in minor collisions as they attempted to avoid the wreckage. Fortunately, neither driver sustained injuries. Mr. Suriyan Sae-iam, the driver of the Toyota Camry, recounted the incident: “I was driving from Bo Win towards Bang Lamung when I noticed the pickup truck swerving erratically in the opposite lane. It suddenly crossed the central reservation and came straight for my car. I couldn’t swerve because the 18-wheeler was right behind me. All I could do was hold the steering wheel steady. When the collision happened, my car was pushed into the trailer, but fortunately, the trailer driver swerved, avoiding a worse disaster.” Mr. Likit Chankiew, the trailer driver, confirmed the pickup truck’s erratic behaviour. “I saw it cross the median and hit the Camry before heading straight for me. I tried to avoid it, but I clipped a nearby pickup truck in the process,” he said. Pol Lt Navin Suntuwanik conducted an initial investigation at the scene and documented the damages. However, no dash cameras captured the incident. Authorities plan to review any CCTV footage from the area to determine the sequence of events and ensure fairness for all parties involved. -- 2024-12-30

This Korean News analysis show a longer video of the approach and landing on runway 19 at starting 1:20 into the video.

Wild Elephant in Musth Ravages Local Farms in Prachinburi Residents in Prachinburi’s Na Di District are living in fear after a wild elephant in musth from Thap Lan National Park entered their farms, causing extensive damage to crops. The incident marks the third time this month the elephant has raided local farmland. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347480-wild-elephant-in-musth-ravages-local-farms-in-prachinburi/

Picture captured from CCTV Residents in Prachinburi’s Na Di District are living in fear after a wild elephant in musth from Thap Lan National Park entered their farms, causing extensive damage to crops. The incident marks the third time this month the elephant has raided local farmland. Reports indicate that the elephant entered a farm in Moo 6, Thung Pho Subdistrict, at 01:25 on December 29. Witnesses described the adult male elephant, approximately 25 cm long tusks and visibly in musth, with oily secretions from its temporal glands. Mrs. Tassanee Prathomphas, 58, explained that the elephant had targeted her property three times in the past month. It had uprooted a coconut tree, attempted to bring down others to eat the coconuts and young shoots, and trampled other crops. “I never see it when it comes; I only notice the damage in the morning. I’m scared, but there’s nothing I can do. We just have to live with it,” she said. Her husband, Mr. Bunmee Prathomphas, recounted a terrifying encounter with the elephant. Following a quarrel with his wife, he had gone to sleep in his car parked in the farm. Around 01.00 he was awakened by loud banging on his car. At first, he thought it was his wife and opened his eyes, only to find the elephant, believed to be the notorious “Lamud”, using its trunk to tap on the car’s rear window. Panicked, Mr. Bunmee quickly started the car and drove away to safety, later alerting neighbours to the elephant’s presence. Residents have expressed concern over the recurring incidents and are urging local authorities to find a solution to protect their farms and ensure their safety. -- 2024-12-30