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Pictures from responders. Passengers on a Bangkok-Chiang Mai bus narrowly escaped tragedy when their vehicle was engulfed in flames on the Phahonyothin Road in Lampang Province. The incident, which occurred at around 21:00 on December 29, resulted in no injuries or fatalities, though several passengers were traumatised by shock. Emergency services were alerted to the fire at Kilometre Markers 671-672, in the Sob Prap district of Lampang. Local police from Ko Kha Police Station, firefighters, and rescue teams quickly responded to the scene. The blue-and-white bus, operated by Viriyah Tour, was parked along the roadside when flames consumed the vehicle. Firefighters used multiple fire trucks and hose-line to extinguish the blaze. All 40 passengers, along with the driver and crew, managed to evacuate the bus safely before the fire intensified. Some passengers, overwhelmed by the incident, fainted and were provided with first aid by rescue workers. Authorities from Lampang’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office arranged alternative transport to ensure the stranded passengers could continue their journey. The fire caused a traffic jam of over one kilometre, with authorities temporarily closing the road to secure the area. It took approximately an hour to clear the scene and restore normal traffic flow. Investigators from Ko Kha Police Station are currently examining the cause of the fire and will proceed with legal action as necessary. Initial investigation points to the fire starting in the rear engine compartment of the bus, but not further details were disclosed. -- 2024-12-30

28-Year-Old Woman Falls to Her Death from Eighth-Floor Condominium A 28-year-old woman tragically fell to her death from the eighth floor of a condominium in Khlong Tamru, Mueang District, Chonburi, on the morning of 29 December. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347474-28-year-old-woman-falls-to-her-death-from-eighth-floor-condominium/

Picture from responders. A 28-year-old woman tragically fell to her death from the eighth floor of a condominium in Khlong Tamru, Mueang District, Chonburi, on the morning of 29 December. Police from Mueang Chonburi Station were notified of the incident at approximately 10:00 and rushed to the scene alongside rescue workers. The victim, identified as Ms. A was found lifeless on the ground below the building. Her injuries included a fractured arm and a severe head trauma. Ms. B a close friend and roommate of the deceased, was visibly distraught upon discovering her friend’s body. She had reportedly come downstairs after hearing commotion outside, only to be met with the shocking sight of her roommate’s lifeless body. Ms. B told authorities that both she and the victim had shared an apartment on the eighth floor of the condominium. She recalled waking up to use the bathroom that morning and noticed nothing unusual. However, upon returning, she realised her friend was no longer in the room. Moments later, she overheard people talking in alarm from below, prompting her to investigate. Through tears, Ms. B expressed her shock and disbelief, saying she had never been aware of her friend having any personal problems or showing signs of stress. Police have launched a detailed investigation into the incident. They are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the condominium to determine the circumstances leading to the fall. Ms. B has also been invited for further questioning to shed light on the events leading up to the tragedy. Authorities are working to rule out any foul play and clarify whether the fall was suicide, accidental or the result of other factors. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek out help. -- 2024-12-30

Police Arrest Drug-Crazed Man Threatening Parents with Knife Police in Phatthalung Province arrested a 47-year-old man who, under the influence of drugs, threatened his elderly parents with a knife. The incident occurred in Moo 11, Na Nonod Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347472-police-arrest-drug-crazed-man-threatening-parents-with-knife/

Picture from responders. Police in Phatthalung Province arrested a 47-year-old man who, under the influence of drugs, threatened his elderly parents with a knife. The incident occurred in Moo 11, Na Nonod Subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung District. Pol. Lt. Kamnueng Chuayphet, Deputy Inspector of Mueang Phatthalung Police Station, led officers to the residence following a report from the man’s father, Mr. Jarupong, aged 74. The father informed authorities that his son, Mr. Teerayut, had a history of drug addiction and had become aggressive, wielding a knife and threatening the family. Fearing for their safety, the parents sought help from local community leaders, who then alerted the police. Upon arrival, officers equipped with restraining tools proceeded to the suspect’s bedroom on the second floor. Despite his erratic behaviour, Mr. Teerayut eventually emerged voluntarily and surrendered without resistance. The police secured him and arranged for emergency services to transport him to a rehabilitation centre for drug treatment. The family revealed that Mr. Teerayut had undergone drug rehabilitation multiple times, but he had repeatedly relapsed. They stated that his violent episodes often involved him brandishing weapons and threatening harm. The elderly parents, concerned for their safety and their son’s well-being, hope this latest intervention will lead to lasting recovery, though they acknowledge the process will take considerable time. -- 2024-12-30

Two Thai Victims of Korean Air Crash Identified & Mourned

Two Thai Victims of Korean Air Crash Identified & Mourned Tragedy struck when a Jeju Air flight skidded off the runway and exploded at Muan International Airport in South Korea’s southwest, leaving the all 175 passengers dead. Among them were two Thai nationals: Ms. Jonglak Duangmanee, 45, from Udon Thani, and Ms. Sirithorn, 22, from Chiang Rai. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347471-two-thai-victims-of-korean-air-crash-identified-mourned/

Tragedy struck when a Jeju Air flight skidded off the runway and exploded at Muan International Airport in South Korea’s southwest, leaving the all 175 passengers dead. Among them were two Thai nationals: Ms. Jonglak Duangmanee, 45, from Udon Thani, and Ms. Sirithorn, 22, from Chiang Rai. Ms. Jonglak Duangmanee Reporters visited the home of Ms. Jonglak Duangmanee in Nong Saeng village, Kut Mak Fai subdistrict, Nong Wua So district, Udon Thani province. Her father, Mr. Boonchuay Duangmanee, 77, along with relatives, was discussing arrangements to bring Ms. Jonglak’s body back for funeral rites. Local officials, including the village headman and district officers, were present to gather further details. Mr. Boonchuay expressed his immense grief, saying, “I was shocked when I learned my daughter was on the flight. I’ve seen such news on television but never thought it would happen to my own family.” He explained that Ms. Jonglak, the youngest of his three children, had been working in South Korea legally for seven years. She was married to a South Korean national and worked in a factory in Naju. Ms. Jonglak returned to Thailand with her husband earlier this month to visit her hometown. She stayed in Udon Thani from December 9 to 13 before sending her husband back to South Korea on December 14. She then spent time in Phichit with her two children before travelling to Bangkok to board the ill-fated flight on December 29. Mr. Boonchuay recounted haunting premonitions before the tragedy. “When she last visited, she said she wouldn’t come back if the family kept fighting. I was unable to take her to the airport during her visit because I was busy helping a sick relative. Before she left, she gave me 10,000 baht and told me to pay her funeral insurance with it. I never imagined it would be used for her funeral.” Fighting back tears, Mr. Boonchuay added, “I just want my daughter’s body returned home so I can see her face one last time.” Ms. Jonglak and her husband had spent the early part of December touring Chiang Mai and Udon Thani before their tragic parting. She had planned to return to South Korea on the ill-fated flight. Her family now awaits updates, clinging to the hope of bringing her home for her final rites. Ms. Sirithorn The family of 22-year-old “Nong Meuy” Ms. Sirithorn, a fourth-year student at Bangkok University, is devastated by the news of her death in the Jeju Air crash in South Korea. The crash occurred while she was on her way to visit her mother, who has been living in South Korea for over a decade. Ms. Sirithorn, from the village of Huay Nam Khun in Chiang Rai, was travelling to South Korea as part of her regular visits during school breaks. Her mother had travelled to Muan International Airport to pick her up, as she had done during previous trips. Nong Meuy’s uncle, 37-year-old Mr. Teerathat Chua-e, shared the family’s shock and grief. He explained that he first received a report from his sister, Nong Meuy’s mother, about an issue with the plane during landing. He didn’t anticipate the situation would escalate so dramatically. “At first, we thought the problem wasn’t serious, and we hoped she would be fine,” he said. “But when I saw footage of the crash and explosion on social media, I couldn’t bring myself to tell anyone, not even her mother, for fear of alarming her. But soon after, her mother learned the tragic news from the airport.” Mr. Teerathat explained that Nong Meuy’s mother was in a state of shock and had been anxiously waiting at the airport for further updates and the return of her daughter’s body. The family is now preparing to travel to South Korea to arrange for Nong Meuy’s remains to be returned to Thailand. “We are not sure whether the funeral will take place in South Korea or whether we will bring her body back to conduct the ceremony in Thailand,” Mr. Teerathat said. “We’ll be flying to Korea tomorrow to begin the process.” Nong Meuy was a source of immense pride for her family. As a member of an ethnic minority group, she was among the few in her community to attend university. She excelled in her studies and won a scholarship to pursue a degree in Airline Business Management at Bangkok University’s Faculty of Humanities and Tourism. Nong Meuy had long dreamed of becoming a flight attendant after graduation. With just three months left before completing her degree, her family had been eagerly planning to attend her graduation ceremony. Her tragic death has left them devastated, and they are now struggling to cope with the loss of a bright future full of promise. Related article: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347425-jeju-air-flight-from-bangkok-skids-off-runway-at-muan-airport-28-dead/ -- 2024-12-30

Hotel Fire Near Khao San Road Leaves 3 Dead, Many Rescued From Roof A fire at The Amber Hotel on Tani Road, near Bangkok’s popular Khao San Road, has claimed three lives and left several others injured. The incident has prompted Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to order the temporary closure of the hotel to ensure the building meets safety standards. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347470-hotel-fire-near-khao-san-road-leaves-3-dead-many-rescued-from-roof/

Pictures from responders. A fire at The Ember Hotel on Tani Road, near Bangkok’s popular Khao San Road, has claimed three lives and left several others injured. The incident has prompted Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to order the temporary closure of the hotel to ensure the building meets safety standards. The fire, which occurred on the evening of December 29, broke out on the fifth floor of the six-story hotel. Initial reports confirmed one fatality, but the death toll later rose to three as two victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Emergency crews were alerted to the fire at around 21:20 with firefighters and rescue teams rushing to the scene. Over 40 guests, including many foreign tourists, were trapped on the rooftop as thick smoke engulfed the fifth floor. Using three turntables ladder trucks with rescue cages , firefighters evacuated the stranded individuals to safety. One victim, a woman reported to be a foreign tourist, was found dead and her burnt body was located in Room 502 on the fifth floor, while two others who had been rescued internally by firefighters in breathing apparatus, later died in hospital due to severe smoke inhalation. One individual remains hospitalised in ICU, while all others injured, were discharged after treatment. One of the victims that died in hospital was also a foreign tourist, but no details on nationalities have yet been disclosed. Bangkok Governor Chadchart, who visited the site along with Thirarat Samretwanich, Assistant to the Deputy Minister of Interior, confirmed that the blaze was swiftly contained, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. “The fire itself was not that severe, but the significant amount of smoke caused substantial harm,” he stated. The Governor ordered the hotel’s closure to allow for a thorough safety inspection, emphasising the importance of ensuring tourists’ confidence in the safety of Bangkok’s buildings. With New Year’s Eve festivities approaching, he expressed hope that the tragedy would not affect the city’s tourism. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Siam Boonsom reported that guests affected by the fire had been asked to provide statements at Chana Songkhram Police Station. Investigators are working to determine the fire’s cause and establish accountability, with forensic analysis and investigation underway. -- 2024-12-30

UPDATE All passengers and four of six crew killed in Jeju Air flight crash, officials confirm The final missing 2 bodies have been found. 179 people have died and two people were rescued from the plane carrying 181 people that crashed at the Muan international airport on the morning of December 29, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing rescue authorities. “Of the 179 dead, 65 have been identified,” South Korea’s fire agency said. The two surviving crew members were rescued from the tail of the aircraft and had suffered “mid to severe” injuries. Authorities said. It is the deadliest air crash to occur in South Korea, surpassing the 1993 Asiana Airlines crash in Mokpo that killed over 60 people.

UPDATE Deadliest Air Crash on South Korea Soil Claims at Least 177 Lives At least 177 people were killed in South Korea’s deadliest air accident after a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok crashed during landing at Muan International Airport. The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was carrying 181 people, including six crew members. Two crew members were rescued from the wreckage and hospitalised with “mild to severe” injuries, authorities confirmed. 84 women, 82 men, and 11 others, whose genders were not immediately identifiable. The youngest victim was a three-year-old boy, while the oldest was a 78-year-old. Among those killed were five children under the age of 10. Two people remain unaccounted for nine hours after the crash, according to the South Korean fire agency, but are presumed dead. The search continues into the night. Authorities have recovered both the flight data and cockpit voice recorders the plane’s black boxes. The recorders will be analysed by transport ministry experts as part of the investigation. The Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB), is the agency of the South Korean government that investigates aviation and railway accidents, reporting to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and headquartered in Sejong City. The runway at Muan International Airport is expected to remain closed until at least 1 January. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae offered a public apology during a televised press conference, bowing deeply and stating that the aircraft had no history of accidents and no prior indications of malfunction. More than 1,500 emergency personnel were deployed to the crash site, and a special disaster zone has been declared in the area. This tragedy marks a devastating loss for South Korea and for Jeju Air, a budget airline that has operated the Boeing 737-800 with a clean safety record until now. -- 2024-12-29

ADS-B data from the flight stopped at 23:58 UTC (08:58 LT) when the aircraft was on final approach to runway 01, at 1.24 nm from the threshold. The aircraft landed on runway 19, the opposite direction of the initial approach and intended landing direction. Runway 19 has a Landing Distance Available (LDA) of 2800 m. https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/jeju-air-2216-muan/

UPDATE Offical Death Toll Rises to 176 in South Korean Plane Crash Pictures of the body search and recovery process. At least 176 people have been confirmed dead after a Jeju Air passenger jet carrying 181 people crash-landed and exploded at Muan International Airport in South Korea. The tragic accident, which occurred on Sunday morning, is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s history. 3 persons are still listed as missing. Authorities have so far identified 22 of the victims. Only two people, both crew members, survived the crash and are being treated in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A firefighting official described the scene as devastating, saying, “Passengers were thrown out of the aircraft after the collision, leaving almost no chance of survival. The wreckage is nearly unrecognisable, making the recovery process extremely challenging.” The plane had departed Bangkok at 01:30 local time and was scheduled to arrive in Muan at 8:30 local time. Among the 175 passengers were two Thai nationals, with the rest being South Korean citizens. The passengers ranged in age from three to 78, with many in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. A temporary morgue has been set up at Muan International Airport to house the victims’ remains. Commercially available ADS-B data from the flight stopped at 23:58 UTC (08:58 LT) when the aircraft was on final approach to runway 01, at 1.24 nm from the threshold. The aircraft landed on runway 19, the opposite direction of the initial approach and intended landing direction. Runway 19 has a Landing Distance Available (LDA) of 2800 m. Officials are investigating the cause of the crash, with a suspected bird strike believed to have caused a landing gear failure. The airport control tower reportedly issued a warning about bird activity just six minutes before the crash, and the pilot declared a “Mayday” distress call one minute later. One of the surviving crew members reportedly mentioned to officials that was a bird strike, after being rescued. South Jeolla authorities raised emergency alerts to the highest level and deployed all available rescue and police personnel to the crash site. Acting President Choi Sang-mok visited the scene, declaring Muan County a special disaster zone. He pledged full government support for the victims’ families and the ongoing recovery efforts. The presidential office convened an emergency meeting to coordinate the response, which includes search operations, medical aid, and inter-agency cooperation for the investigation. Acting National Police Agency Commissioner-General Lee Ho-young ordered all resources to be mobilised to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts. Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae offered a public apology, stating: “Regardless of the cause, I take full responsibility as CEO. We will do everything in our power to support the bereaved families.” -- 2024-12-29

UPDATE 124 Dead, 59 Missing in Jeju Air Crash at Muan International Airport on Flight From Bangkok Fire authorities have recovered 120 bodies from the wreckage of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Muan International Airport. South Korea’s national fire agency confirmed that 59 people remain unaccounted for. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347425-jeju-air-flight-from-bangkok-skids-off-runway-at-muan-airport-28-dead/page/2/#findComment-19477980

UPDATE 124 Dead, 55 Missing in Jeju Air Crash at Muan International Airport Picture and video from ground witnesses. Fire authorities have recovered 124 bodies from the wreckage of Jeju Air flight 7C2216, which crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Muan International Airport. South Korea’s national fire agency confirmed that 59 people remain unaccounted for. The confirmed fatalities include 55 men, 57.women, and 12 individuals whose gender could not be immediately determined. It was also confirmed that the body of a female Thai passenger was among the bodies recovered. A temporary morgue has been set up inside the Muan airport to lay the bodies of the victims, for initial identification procedures. Rescue teams have divided the crash site into three zones to continue searching for victims, but officials have told families that the chance of survival for the missing is “virtually none” due to the severity of the crash and subsequent fire. Only two people survived the crash, both rescued from the aircraft’s tail section and reported to both be female cabin crew . They were rushed to a nearby hospital with moderate to severe injuries. According to local Koran media, many of the passengers were South Korean families returning from Christmas package holidays in Thailand. The passengers included 173 South Koreans and two Thai nationals. Witnesses on the ground described harrowing scenes of the crash. “I was telling my family there was a problem with the plane when I heard a loud explosion,” said Yoo Jae-yong, 41, who was staying near the airport. Another witness, Kim Yong-cheol, 70, said the plane failed its first landing attempt and circled back. “I heard the sound of metallic scraping twice before the crash,” he said. “Then there was a loud explosion and black smoke billowing into the sky.” Witnesses told Yonhap News that they saw flames and sparks in the jet’s right wing and engine before the crash. One described a “flash of light” followed by a series of explosions as the plane descended. -- 2024-12-29 ScreenRecording_12-29-2024 10-15-26_1.mp4

93 Dead, 575 Injured in Two Days of New Year Road Crashes A total of 93 fatalities and 575 injuries have been reported across Thailand over the first two days of the New Year’s holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347449-93-dead-575-injured-in-two-days-of-new-year-road-crashes/

A total of 93 fatalities and 575 injuries have been reported across Thailand over the first two days of the New Year’s holiday period, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). At a press briefing held at 10:30 on 29 December, Chakri Bamrungwong, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Transport, outlined statistics from the national campaign to reduce road crashes during the New Year festivities. On 28 December, the second day of the 10-day safety campaign, there were 269 road crashes resulting in 257 injuries and 38 deaths. The primary cause of accidents was speeding, accounting for 38.29% of incidents, followed by poor visibility (21.56%) and sudden lane changes (19.33%). Motorcycles were involved in 85.4% of accidents, with straight roads accounting for 86.25% of all incidents. Highways saw the most accidents (44.98%), followed by roads in villages and subdistricts (28.25%). Most crashes occurred between 18:01 and 19:00. The majority of victims were aged 40-49, comprising 15.93% of those killed or injured. Authorities have set up 1,770 main checkpoints nationwide, staffed by over 50,000 personnel. Ayutthaya and Chiang Rai provinces reported the highest number of crashes (13 each) on 28 December, while Chiang Rai recorded the most injuries (13). Phang Nga and Nong Bua Lamphu provinces had the highest death toll, with three fatalities each. Over the first two days of the campaign (27-28 December), there have been 592 accidents, 575 injuries, and 93 deaths. Ayutthaya recorded the highest cumulative number of accidents (27) and injuries (24), while Nakhon Si Thammarat had the most fatalities (5). With millions of people travelling over the holiday period, authorities are emphasising strict enforcement of traffic laws, particularly speed limits. Public transport drivers are under increased scrutiny, with checks on their working hours, alcohol consumption, and rest periods at service points. Special attention is being given to crash-prone areas, such as railway crossings, intersections, and roadside parking zones. Additional checkpoints and inspections have been implemented to address driver fatigue, especially on long, straight routes. To further enhance safety, the Ministry of Transport has activated its Traffic Safety Operations Centre, integrating data from 454 CCTV cameras across eight agencies to monitor traffic conditions. Violations, such as speeding or extended driving hours, are flagged to the Department of Land Transport for immediate action. Local authorities, police, military, and volunteers are working together to operate checkpoints, community patrols, and service stations. Efforts include awareness campaigns to discourage dangerous behaviours such as drink-driving, speeding, and neglecting safety equipment. Despite these efforts, the high number of fatalities and injuries underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and stricter measures to ensure safer travel during the holiday season. Related article: First Day of Thailand’s “10 Dangerous Days” Sees 52 Deaths and 318 Injuries: https://aseannow.com/topic/1347375-first-day-of-thailand’s-“10-dangerous-days”-sees-52-deaths-and-318-injuries/ -- 2024-12-29

These are the details and history of the aircraft that crashed.

UPDATE Yonhap News Agency, Korea reported this at 10.38 Thai time December 29. “All people on board except two rescued presumed killed in Muan plane accident: firefighting agency”

UPDATE 62 Confirmed Dead, 2 Rescued in Jeju Air Plane Crash in South Korea The plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea’s South Jeolla Province has left 62 people dead, with the death toll expected to rise. The Jeju Air passenger jet, carrying 181 people, erupted in flames after veering off the runway during landing on Sunday morning. The incident occurred when the plane returning from Bangkok, collided with a fence wall after the landing gear failed to either deploy correctly or collapsed on landing. The aircraft skidded along the ground before crashing into a concrete barrier, triggering a massive explosion that engulfed it in flames. Authorities have confirmed 62 fatalities so far, while two individuals,a passenger and a crew member, have been rescued. Rescue operations are ongoing, with concerns that the number of casualties may increase further. -- 2024-12-29

As of 10.00 Thai time December 29, Korean Fire authorities have reported that they have identified 47 bodies so far, according to Newsis and Yonhap news agency, with officials warning the death toll could rise as bodies remain inside the aircraft’s fuselage. Two survivors, one passenger and one crew member, have reportedly been rescued and are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

This is coverage being shown by Korean media, of the reported bird strike.

Stabbing Incident in Pattaya Leaves Japanese Tourist Dead; Suspect Caught At approximately 06:05 on December 29, on Pattaya Third Road, a violent altercation resulted in the fatal stabbing of a 27- year-old Japanese man, identified as Mr. Seita Tanabe. The victim succumbed to his injuries despite resuscitation efforts. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1347431-stabbing-incident-in-pattaya-leaves-japanese-tourist-dead-suspect-caught/