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Pictures from responders. In the early hours of the morning, of December 15, a landslide struck a workers’ camp in Koh Samui, leaving two individuals missing. The incident occurred at 04:00 in the construction area located on a hillside in Soi Hima Thong, Moo 1, Maret Subdistrict, Koh Samui District, Surat Thani Province. The two missing individuals are male workers of Myanmar nationality. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway, with a collaborative response from various local authorities and organisations, including Koh Samui District officials, the Koh Samui Municipality, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (Koh Samui branch), the Bo Phut Police Station, Samui Rescue Center, the Kusol Songkhro Koh Samui Foundation, and the Wat Plai Laem Rescue Foundation. Rescue teams are using manpower to dig through the rubble in an effort to locate the missing workers, as access is currently not possible for the machinery given the terrain and conditions. The operation faces significant challenges due to continuous rainfall in the area, which poses further risks of additional landslides. The situation is being closely monitored, and authorities are urging residents in the vicinity of the construction site to remain cautious and stay updated on safety advisories. -- 2024-12-15

Massive Rockslide Blocks Road on Koh Phangan Amid Heavy Rainfall Heavy rainfall on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province, triggered a massive rockslide, causing a large boulder to block the road at Thong Nai Pan near the deer statue roundabout in Ban Tai sub-district. The incident, which occurred around 20:00 on December 14, left vehicles unable to pass but caused no injuries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346252-massive-rockslide-blocks-road-on-koh-phangan-amid-heavy-rainfall/

Picture from responders. Heavy rainfall on Koh Phangan, Surat Thani province, triggered a massive rockslide, causing a large boulder to block the road at Thong Nai Pan near the deer statue roundabout in Ban Tai sub-district. The incident, which occurred around 20:00 on December 14, left vehicles unable to pass but caused no injuries. The rockslide also damaged utility infrastructure, snapping power poles and high-voltage cables in the area. Residents and tourists attempting to travel along the affected route were forced to walk past the blocked section to reach vehicles on the other side. The Ban Tai Subdistrict Municipality has issued an announcement, urging caution and advising against non-essential travel on the Thong Nai Pan route. Officials from the municipality and the Provincial Electricity Authority are working to clear the road and restore normal conditions. Authorities warned that the saturated soil, combined with the mountainous terrain, increases the risk of further landslides. Despite the disruption, officials confirmed that the Full Moon Party scheduled for the night of December 15 will proceed as planned. The public is advised to stay updated and exercise caution when traveling in the area during ongoing heavy rainfall. -- 2024-12-15

15-Year-Old Drowns After Exhaustion Overcomes Him in Rayong Pond A 15-year-old boy drowned in a pond in Rayong while swimming with friends. Despite his friend’s desperate attempt to save him, he was unable to hold on and had to let go, leading to the boy’s death. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346245-15-year-old-drowns-after-exhaustion-overcomes-him-in-rayong-pond/

Picture from responders. A 15-year-old boy drowned in a pond in Rayong while swimming with friends. Despite his friend’s desperate attempt to save him, he was unable to hold on and had to let go, leading to the boy’s death. The incident occurred at 16.00 on December 14 at a pond in Moo 1, Bang But Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. Pol. Lt. Apichart Gonetsuwan, investigating officer of Nong Krub Police Station, received the report and arrived at the scene with local rescue teams. The pond, located in the middle of a rice field and approximately 5 metres deep. Over 50 villagers gathered to witness the rescue efforts. Divers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation took 15 minutes to locate and retrieve the body of the victim, a 15-year-old boy. Police and medical examiners found no external injuries on the body, and preliminary findings suggested drowning. The body was sent to Ban Khai Hospital for a detailed autopsy. Another boy, a friend of the deceased, recounted the events leading up to the tragedy. According to him, the group of four often visited the pond. Normally, he and two other friends swam while the victim stayed out of the water playing on his phone. However, on this day, after lunch, the victim decided to join them in the water. He suggested they swim across the pond, and everything went smoothly at first. But on their way back, the victim began to struggle in the middle of the pond, saying he was exhausted. He started to sink, and the friend tried to grab his hand to pull him to safety. Unfortunately, the friend also began to lose strength and had to let go to save himself. “I had no choice but to let go. If I didn’t, I would’ve drowned with him,” the friend said. The victim’s father, Mr. Krit, 39, arrived at the scene shortly after being informed of the incident. He identified his son’s body and provided initial testimony to the police. He stated that his son, the eldest sibling in the family, typically visited the pond with his friends but rarely went into the water. “I heard about the incident around 15:30 while I was at work. I immediately left to come here. My son never liked swimming, and this was the first time he joined his friends in the water,” Mr. Krit said. Police from Nong Krub Station will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure all legal protocols are followed. Once the autopsy is completed, the family will be contacted to retrieve the body. -- 2024-12-15

Man Threatens Wife with Knife, Attempts to Burn Down House in Udon Thani Police in Udon Thani responded to a tense situation, involving a man who had taken his wife hostage, threatening to kill her with a knife and set their house on fire. The incident occurred at a house in Soi Ngamdee Sinitphon, Ban Bo Nam, Moo 7, Moo Mon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346244-man-threatens-wife-with-knife-attempts-to-burn-down-house-in-udon-thani/

Picture from responders. Police in Udon Thani responded to a tense situation on December 14, involving a man who had taken his wife hostage, threatening to kill her with a knife and set their house on fire. The incident occurred at a house in Soi Ngamdee Sinitphon, Ban Bo Nam, Moo 7, Moo Mon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani. Authorities were alerted by neighbours, prompting officers from the Na Kha Police Station and nearby Mueang Udon Thani Police Station to rush to the scene. The suspect, identified as Mr. Phang, 46, was found barricaded inside a neighbor’s single-story house armed with a knife and a garden hoe. Despite efforts by officers and his wife to negotiate with him for over an hour, he refused to surrender. Eventually, Pol. Lt. Col. Wikhnes Suea-Trong and his team used a taser to subdue Mr. Phang and bring the situation under control. He was immediately taken to Udon Thani Hospital for evaluation. Authorities confiscated the weapons found in the house. In a brief statement after his arrest, Mr. Phang claimed, “I’m not on drugs. There’s someone hiding in the bathroom constantly insulting me.” Despite his denial, police observed signs of delusion consistent with drug use. Ms. Laddawan, 46, the suspect’s wife, told reporters that her husband had recently returned to Thailand from working in Israel on November 3. Friends had warned her that he might be using methamphetamine. Since returning, he exhibited erratic behaviour, often talking to himself and claiming people were trying to kill him. Earlier that day, Mr. Phang accused Ms. Laddawan of conspiring against him and attempted to strangle her. She managed to escape and seek help from neighbours. However, her 66-year-old bedridden mother, Mrs. Sunan, was still inside the house. In a dramatic turn, Mrs. Sunan, who is immobile, climbed onto the roof to escape the chaos. Police later assisted her down safely, leaving the family relieved but shaken. A local neighbour revealed that both Mr. Phang and Ms. Laddawan had called for help earlier. Mr. Phang requested beer, saying he needed it to calm down, prompting the neighbour to leave a bottle outside the house. Ms. Laddawan then called, begging for assistance to escape her husband, who was trying to break into her room. The neighbour expressed disbelief at how Mrs. Sunan managed to climb onto the roof despite her physical condition. “It’s as if she had some special strength from fear. I didn’t think she could even walk,” they said. The incident is believed to stem from stress and possible substance abuse, with Mr. Phang reportedly struggling with financial and family issues after his return from Israel. Authorities are investigating further. -- 2024-12-15

German Tourist in Pattaya Rescued After Self-Harm Incident and Attempted Suicide A dramatic rescue unfolded as a 58-year-old German tourist caused a disturbance at a Pattaya hotel by injuring himself and attempting to jump from a balcony. The incident occurred on the 5th floor of a hotel located on Pattaya Soi 13, Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346243-german-tourist-in-pattaya-rescued-after-self-harm-incident-and-attempted-suicide/

Picture from responders. A dramatic rescue unfolded during the night of December 14, as a 58-year-old German tourist, identified as Mr. Andrea Winker, caused a disturbance at a Pattaya hotel by injuring himself and attempting to jump from a balcony. The incident occurred on the 5th floor of a hotel located on Pattaya Soi 13, Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Unit swiftly responded to the distress call. At the scene, Mr. Winker was found in a highly agitated state. His hotel room was in disarray, with belongings scattered and bloodstains visible throughout the room. Rescue personnel encountered difficulty calming him, as he actively resisted their efforts. Once subdued, they provided first aid and urgently transported him to a hospital for treatment. Hotel staff reported hearing loud shouting from the guest's room before deciding to unlock the door for investigation. Inside, they discovered a chaotic scene: the room was filled with overturned furniture and blood, accompanied by a strong odour. The tourist was seen standing near the balcony, appearing dazed and attempting to climb over the railing in what seemed to be a suicide attempt. Rescue workers successfully negotiated with Mr. Winker to bring him back to safety. Upon closer examination, they found he had sustained a serious head injury, likely from repeatedly banging his head against the wall. The wound was severe, with significant blood loss. After the situation was brought under control, rescue personnel promptly transferred the injured man to a local hospital for further medical care. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. 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 help. -- 2024-12-15

Two Phuket Nurses Praised for Assisting Passengers on Flight Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two nurses from Vachira Phuket Hospital are being hailed as heroes after they used their medical expertise to assist two passengers who lost consciousness aboard a flight from Phuket to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346230-two-phuket-nurses-praised-for-assisting-passengers-on-flight/

42-Wheeled Trailer Carrying Giant Wind Turbine Blade Overturns, Worker Killed The Police at Thep Sathit Police Station in Chaiyaphum Province were notified of an incident involving a 42-wheeled trailer carrying a giant wind turbine blade. The trailer lost control and overturned on the side of the road, causing the wind turbine blade to fall and crush a worker, resulting in their death at the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346229-42-wheeled-trailer-carrying-giant-wind-turbine-blade-overturns-worker-killed/

Concrete Counterweight Falls from Crane onto Rama IV Road, Crushing Car A heavy concrete counterweight used to stabilise a crane fell onto Rama IV Road this afternoon, crushing a car and damaging power lines. Authorities are worked swiftly to clear the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346228-concrete-counterweight-falls-from-crane-onto-rama-iv-road-crushing-car/

Chinese Murder Suspect Arrested at Phuket Airport Thai immigration authorities apprehended a Chinese national wanted for murder after he attempted to flee to Thailand to evade justice. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346227-chinese-murder-suspect-arrested-at-phuket-airport/

Driver Surrenders After Dragging Victim Over 1 Km in Fatal Hit-and-Run The driver of a white car involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Phuket, has surrendered to police, confessing to drinking beer prior to the crash and fleeing the scene out of panic. Authorities have charged him with multiple serious offenses. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346226-driver-surrenders-after-dragging-victim-over-1-km-in-fatal-hit-and-run/

Late-Night Fire Destroys Townhouse, Neighbour Rescues Pet Snakes A fire broke out in a townhouse in Soi Phetkasem 48, Bangkok in the early hours causing significant damage to the property and two neighbouring homes. Amidst the chaos, a neighbour managed to save his collection of pet snakes, calling them his most valuable possessions. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346225-late-night-fire-destroys-townhouse-neighbour-rescues-pet-snakes/

Thai-Japanese Researchers Unearth Dinosaur Fossils Over 100 Million Years Old in Khon Kaen Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A team of Thai and Japanese researchers has unearthed significant dinosaur fossils, including the ribs of a plant-eating dinosaur and the teeth of a carnivorous species, dating back 100-110 million years. The discovery, made in Phon Phisai District, Khon Kaen, has sparked calls for government support to develop the site as a tourist attraction and educational centre. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346223-thai-japanese-researchers-unearth-dinosaur-fossils-over-100-million-years-old-in-khon-kaen/

Tourist Police & Embassies from 15 Countries Hold Football Match to Strengthen Ties A friendly football match took place at Thephasadin Stadium in Bangkok, featuring teams from the Tourist Police Bureau and diplomatic missions from 15 countries. The event was led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Sakshisira Phueak-um, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, alongside senior officials and officers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346221-tourist-police-embassies-from-15-countries-hold-football-match-to-strengthen-ties/

Picture from responders. Dash-cam below. A heavy concrete counterweight used to stabilise a crane fell onto Rama IV Road this afternoon, crushing a car and damaging power lines. Authorities are worked swiftly to clear the scene. At approximately 16.05, the Rama 199 Emergency Radio Centre received a report of a crane-related incident on Rama IV Road near a prominent building in the Silom area of Bang Rak District. Firefighters and rescue teams from Bang Rak Station were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival responders found a large concrete block, which serves as a counterweight for a crane, lying in the middle of the road. The block had fallen from the crane, crushing a car parked nearby and pulling down several electrical wires. The crane company’s team quickly began removing the concrete block, while officials from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority worked on repairing the damaged power lines. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The incident caused significant traffic congestion in the area, as authorities cordoned off parts of the road to facilitate the removal of the debris and ensure public safety. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crash as the concrete block fell, followed by sparks from the damaged power lines. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the accident to determine whether it was due to equipment failure or human error. Local officials have called on construction companies to prioritise safety and ensure proper equipment maintenance to prevent similar incidents in the future. -- 2024-12-15 ScreenRecording_12-14-2024 17-33-01_1.mp4

Picture of responders. At approximately 11:00 on December 14, the Police at Thep Sathit Police Station in Chaiyaphum Province were notified of an incident involving a 42-wheeled trailer carrying a giant wind turbine blade. The trailer lost control and overturned on the side of the road, causing the wind turbine blade to fall and crush a worker, resulting in their death at the scene. The incident occurred along Highway 205, Suan Narai, near the Sap Thaworn School in Wat Tabak Subdistrict, Thep Sathit District, Chaiyaphum Province. Emergency services, including the Huk 31 Rescue Team and medical personnel from Thep Sathit Hospital, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the overturned Volvo 42-wheeled trailer, registered in Nakhon Pathom, which had been transporting a large wind turbine blade. The trailer had veered off the road and into a sugarcane field on the side of the road. At the rear of the trailer were two workers who were tasked with managing the turbine blade during transport. When the truck overturned, the blade fell off the trailer, landing on and fatally crushing one of the workers. The deceased was identified as 37-year-old Mr. Chai Inthachao, a Burmese worker. His body was found face down, pinned by the wind turbine blade. A fellow worker, who was seated beside the deceased at the time of the incident, recounted the harrowing event. He explained that they were both seated in the rear of the trailer, managing the blade. When the truck lost control and overturned, the deceased fell off the trailer, and the massive turbine blade followed, crushing him immediately. The driver of the truck, 46-year-old Mr. Samran Aodton, shared his account of the incident. He explained that he was transporting the turbine blade to a location in the nearby village of Nong Chabok, about four kilometres away, when the trailer’s rear end lost control and overturned. The wind turbine blade then fell off the truck, killing the worker. The authorities will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and follow legal procedures. The body of the deceased will be returned to his family. -- 2024-12-15

Picture courtesy of Khaosod. Two nurses from Vachira Phuket Hospital are being hailed as heroes after they used their medical expertise to assist two passengers who lost consciousness aboard a flight from Phuket to Suvarnabhumi Airport. On the evening of December 13, during flight PG278, registered nurses Mr. Kittithat Maitreechit, a senior nurse, and Ms. Wannaporn Maitreechit, a registered nurse, were traveling when a passenger collapsed in the aisle of the plane. As the flight attendants went to check on the situation, the two nurses, who were seated nearby, noticed something was wrong. Upon checking, they found a foreign passenger unconscious on the floor. The nurses immediately assessed the passenger, finding that although unresponsive, the individual still had a pulse and was breathing. The passenger’s companions reported that the person had been suffering from diarrhea, vomiting, and fatigue. The nurses then retrieved the emergency medical kit onboard and began evaluating vital signs while administering first aid. After a short time, the passenger regained consciousness, was able to respond to questions, and even stood and walked with assistance. The patient was then moved to a seat for further observation. The flight crew was informed, and everything seemed stable enough for the flight to proceed. The attendants demonstrated emergency equipment use, and the plane continued its journey. However, shortly after takeoff from Phuket, another passenger fell unconscious. This time, the flight attendants, concerned about the worsening condition of the passenger, made a public appeal over the intercom for any medical professionals aboard to assist. Upon hearing the announcement, the two nurses again sprang into action, approached the patient, and conducted a thorough assessment. The second passenger, who had last eaten the day before, was suffering from severe stomach pain, vomiting (with green bile), and diarrhea. The nurses quickly administered fluids and anti-nausea medication while keeping a close watch on the patient’s condition. Both passengers showed signs of improvement and were monitored closely as the flight neared its arrival in Bangkok. The quick response and professionalism of the nurses ensured the safety of both patients in a challenging situation, especially as the plane encountered turbulent weather. According to the flight attendants, this was the first time in their experience that two medical emergencies occurred on the same flight. -- 2024-12-15

Myanmar Fishing Vessel Seized with Six Crew Members for Encroaching Thai Waters Authorities in Thailand have detained a Myanmar fishing vessel and its six crew members for illegally entering Thai waters, seizing 40 tons of salted krill as part of the operation. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346220-myanmar-fishing-vessel-seized-with-six-crew-members-for-encroaching-thai-waters/

Police Arrest Woman Using Dating App to Rob Victim Highway police arrested a 42-year-old tomboy, within an hour after she allegedly used a dating app to lure a woman into her condo, steal her mobile phone and pickup truck, and flee the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346219-police-arrest-woman-using-dating-app-to-rob-victim/

Elderly Man, 82, Takes His Own Life in Garage Amid Illness and Stress An 82-year-old man was found dead in his home garage after reportedly taking his own life due to health-related stress. Authorities believe the man's declining physical condition led to the tragic incident. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1346218-elderly-man-82-takes-his-own-life-in-garage-amid-illness-and-stress/

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath. A team of Thai and Japanese researchers has unearthed significant dinosaur fossils, including the ribs of a plant-eating dinosaur and the teeth of a carnivorous species, dating back 100-110 million years. The discovery, made in Phon Phisai District, Khon Kaen, has sparked calls for government support to develop the site as a tourist attraction and educational centre. The excavation began in the agricultural area of Rai Tama Farm, where researchers set up camp for their first day of work. The farm owner, Mrs. Naen Prommarin, 56, revealed that the site has a long history connected to fossil discoveries. She recounted how, in 2006, a local monk, Phra Achan Subin Khantitharo, initially discovered what he thought was an elephant vertebra while collecting rocks to build a temple structure. Upon further examination, the bones were believed to be dinosaur fossils, prompting a report to the Department of Mineral Resources. In 2007, experts from the department confirmed the findings, which included ribs and teeth from a large, long-necked plant-eating dinosaur. Subsequent excavations continued until 2011, when financial constraints and other research priorities halted the work. However, the landowner later donated the site, known as Hin Rong, to the government to facilitate ongoing fossil research. This December, the research effort was reignited under the leadership of Ms. Sasaon Khansupha, a senior geologist from Sirindhorn Museum, in collaboration with Japanese paleontologists. Early findings include fossilized ribs of a sauropod, a herbivorous dinosaur species, and teeth belonging to theropods, carnivorous dinosaurs. The fossils are estimated to be 100-110 million years old. Additionally, the team uncovered petrified wood dating back 700,000-900,000 years and freshwater mollusk fossils. Ms. Sasaon emphasised the importance of government funding to support excavation and research. She stated that fossil studies not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also have the potential to transform the site into an educational centre and tourist attraction, benefiting local communities and inspiring the next generation of scientists. The discovery underscores Thailand’s rich paleontological history and the need to preserve these invaluable assets for academic and cultural enrichment. -- 2024-12-15