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In the early hours of November 24, a crash occurred on Phetkasem Road near kilometre marker 330+500 in Huai Yang Subdistrict, Thap Sakae District, Prachuap Khiri Khan. A red-plate Toyota van used for transporting a psychiatric patient collided with the rear of a trailer truck, resulting in three fatalities and one injury. The accident happened at approximately 02:15 just 2 kilometres before Wanakorn Beach National Park. The van, used by the Narcotics Suppression Bureau (NSB) to transport a psychiatric patient for treatment in Nakhon Pathom, was returning to Chumphon when the crash occurred. The van was driven by Mr. Manat Chuyao, 52, a municipal councilor in Chum Kho Subdistrict, Chumphon Province. He was also the owner of the van. Mr. Manat was among those killed in the accident, alongside: 1. Police Sergeant Kittiphan Khwansomkit, 39, a Border Patrol Police officer working with the NSB (seated in the front passenger seat). 2. Mr. Kriangkrai Rungruang, 52, a driver for the Chumphon Provincial Public Health Office. The sole survivor, Police Senior Sergeant Major Surasak Khantasinth, 47, also an NSB officer, sustained injuries and was transported to Thap Sakae Hospital for treatment. The van collided with a Hino trailer truck driven by Mr. Phan Pantharun, 52, from Ayutthaya. He was uninjured and is cooperating with authorities during the investigation. Preliminary investigations suggest that the van’s driver fell asleep at the wheel due to fatigue from the long journey. The van crashed into the trailer in the left lane with great force. Rescuers had to use hydraulic tools to extricate the victims from the severely damaged van. Police Senior Sergeant Major Surasak, the only conscious survivor, managed to call for help by dialing 191. Emergency responders, including officers from Huai Yang Police Station, rescue teams from Thap Sakae Hospital, and local volunteers, quickly arrived at the scene. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Autopsies of the deceased will be conducted, and the trailer truck driver will be questioned further. Legal actions will follow as necessary. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-25

UPDATE Underwater Drones Deployed in Search for Missing Tourist Authorities have established a rescue operation centre and deployed underwater drones in an effort to locate a missing tourist after a sightseeing boat capsized at Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as Cheow Lan Lake, in Surat Thani. on November 24, a meeting was held at the Ban Cheow Lan Municipal Pier, chaired by Mr. Chaowalit Chuaysong, Mayor of Ban Cheow Lan Subdistrict Municipality. Participants included officials from Khao Sok National Park, Ban Cheow Lan Municipality, Surat Thani Provincial Police, Ban Ta Khun Police Station, Tourist Police, and other relevant agencies. A dedicated search centre has been established, focusing on searching accommodations and nearby shorelines, with the hope that the missing tourist may have been rescued by another boat amidst the chaos. In addition, Khao Sok National Park officials have deployed underwater drones to scan the area where the boat sank. Preliminary findings of the incident, revealed that the boat operator possessed a valid license, the vessel was legally registered, and insurance was in place for the tourists. Authorities determined the incident was caused by unforeseeable natural factors. Tourist Police have interviewed the surviving foreign tourists. The tour company has provided accommodations in Surat Thani City for eight tourists, while one injured individual remains hospitalised at Surat Thani Hospital. Police and Tourist Police have visited the hospital to monitor the victim’s condition. The rescue operation continues as authorities intensify efforts to locate the missing tourist using advanced equipment and coordinated planning. Picture of the drones being used in the search. -- 2024-11-24

Elderly Foreigner Found Unconscious on Road Sparks Concern in Nakhon Ratchasima Police and emergency responders were called to the Phimai-Chumphuang road in Rangka Yai Subdistrict, Phimai District, where an elderly foreigner, approximately 70 years old, was found intoxicated and unconscious with a head injury. First aid was administered at the scene before the man was transported to Phimai Hospital for further treatment. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344447-elderly-foreigner-found-unconscious-on-road-sparks-concern-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Police and emergency responders were called to the Phimai-Chumphuang road in Rangka Yai Subdistrict, Phimai District, on the night of November 23, where an elderly foreigner, approximately 70 years old, was found intoxicated and unconscious with a head injury. First aid was administered at the scene before the man was transported to Phimai Hospital for further treatment. On November 24, the Rangka Yai village headman provided police with additional details about the foreigner’s behaviour , which has reportedly caused ongoing issues within the local community. Police and the village head, withheld the name and nationality of the man. The man, who resides in the area, is said to frequently become heavily intoxicated and lie down in the middle of roads, posing a danger to himself and others. In a particularly alarming pattern of behaviour, he has reportedly been seen carrying a sword around the community and near a local school, walking menacingly and creating fear among teachers and students. According to the headman, the situation has persisted for some time, prompting his Thai wife to seek a divorce. The police are aware of the incidents and are working with local authorities to address community concerns while ensuring the safety of all involved. Local residents have expressed hope that authorities will take appropriate measures to resolve the situation and prevent any further disruptions. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

UPDATE French Tourist Still Missing After Boat Capsizes at Ratchaprapa Dam Authorities are continuing their search for a missing French tourist after a longtail boat capsized on 23 November, near the famous “Guilin of Thailand,” or Khao Sam Kloe, in the reservoir of Ratchaprapa Dam (also known as Cheow Lan Dam) in Surat Thani province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1344403-tour-boat-capsizes-in-cheow-lan-dam-in-storm-search-for-missing-french-tourist/#findComment-19403835

UPDATE French Tourist Still Missing After Boat Capsizes at Ratchaprapa Dam Authorities are continuing their search for a missing French tourist after a longtail boat capsized on 23 November, near the famous “Guilin of Thailand,” or Khao Sam Kloe, in the reservoir of Ratchaprapa Dam (also known as Cheow Lan Dam) in Surat Thani province. As of the morning of 24 November, there has been no sign of the missing tourist. Search efforts led by officials from Khao Sok National Park and other agencies are ongoing but have been hindered by continuous rainfall and the remote location, approximately 20 kilometres from the pier. Somchat, the boat operator of the capsized vessel, stated that the incident occurred due to a sudden gust of wind. “At the time, the engine was running at low power, and the boat’s balance was unstable. A strong wind flipped the boat over,” he explained. He insisted that the boat was not overloaded, carrying 13 passengers, including himself. “Other boats nearby, over 10 of them, immediately came to help. A guide mentioned that one tourist may have been assisted by others, so we remain hopeful the tourist is safe,” Somchat added. Authorities are intensifying their search operations as families of the missing tourist await news. Picture of search area. -- 2024-11-24

Rubber Tapper Survives Second Attack by Wild ‘Phu Wua’ Elephant A rubber tapper narrowly escaped death after being trampled by a wild elephant near Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary. The man, already injured, managed to hide behind a tree as the elephant attempted a second charge. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1344421-rubber-tapper-survives-second-attack-by-wild-‘phu-wua’-elephant/

A rubber tapper narrowly escaped death after being trampled by a wild elephant near Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary. The man, already injured, managed to hide behind a tree as the elephant attempted a second charge. Mr. Salong Wongkaen, a 52-year-old resident of Ban Non Sa, Tambon Tha Dok Kham, Bueng Khong Long District, is recovering at Bueng Kan Hospital after sustaining severe injuries from the wild elephant attack on November 22. The incident occurred while Mr. Salong was tapping rubber in a plantation near Huai Hin Taek, close to Sri Phrom Cave, an emerging tourist attraction in Bueng Kan Province. Doctors have treated Mr. Salong with external metal braces for his fractured leg bones and are monitoring his condition closely. His wounds are still bleeding, and he is receiving pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication. The recovery process will take approximately two weeks before the external braces can be removed and replaced with internal fixation screws through surgery. Recounting the ordeal, Mr. Salong said, “Around 07:00, I went to tap rubber with six workers. As we approached the plantation, we passed a dense forest. Suddenly, one of the 13 elephants in the area charged at us. Everyone scattered to escape, but I fell face down. The elephant, weighing an estimated 5-6 tons, trampled my right leg, causing immense pain. It stopped about 7-8 metres away, then turned back to charge again.” Using his uninjured left leg, Mr. Salong managed to push himself behind a nearby tree just in time. “The elephant sped past me without returning. If it had, I’m certain I wouldn’t be alive today,” he added. This is not the first time Mr. Salong has been attacked. In 2021, he was trampled by an elephant in the same area, fracturing his left leg. However, those injuries were less severe than this time. Mr. Salong advised those working near areas frequented by wild elephants to remain vigilant. “If you know elephants are nearby, don’t provoke them by shouting or using firecrackers. This will only agitate them further. Observe their behaviour and flee quietly at the first opportunity.” He emphasised the speed and danger of wild elephants: “Even if you think you’re fast, you can’t outrun them. One step of theirs equals 10 of ours. It’s like trying to escape a moving truck, you can’t.” Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-23

Police Crack Down on International Tiger Trafficking: 60-Year-Old Man Arrested Officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD) arrested a man aged 60, at his residence in Bang Rak Phatthana, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi. The arrest followed the discovery of three tiger carcasses at the scene. Mr. Chalee faces charges of possessing and trading protected wildlife without authorisation. Full stoty:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344416-police-crack-down-on-international-tiger-trafficking-60-year-old-man-arrested/

Officers from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Division (NRECD) arrested Mr. Chalee Meepra, 60, at his residence in Bang Rak Phatthana, Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi. The arrest followed the discovery of three tiger carcasses at the scene. Mr. Chalee faces charges of possessing and trading protected wildlife without authorisation. This operation was part of a broader collaboration involving the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), and Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation. The initiative, under the US Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Asia program, aims to combat transnational wildlife trafficking in Southeast Asia. Authorities were tipped off that Mr. Chalee was attempting to sell three fully intact tiger carcasses. After an investigation pinpointed the location of the contraband, police secured a court warrant to search his home. The operation successfully uncovered and seized the tiger remains. During questioning, Mr. Chalee confessed that the carcasses belonged to Sumatran tigers, which he claimed were brought from Indonesia over 40 years ago. Facing financial difficulties, he decided to sell the tigers for an initial asking price of 900,000 baht, eventually negotiating down to 200,000 baht. The suspect and the seized items have been handed over to Bang Bua Thong Police Station for further legal proceedings. Picture courtesy of NRECD -- 2024-11-23

Concrete Play Area Collapses at Wat Chong Lom, Sinking 1.5 Metres A concrete children’s play area at Wat Chong Lom, Pak Kret District, Northaburi, sank 1.5 metres, causing visible cracks to the nearby pavilion. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent further danger. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344407-concrete-play-area-collapses-at-wat-chong-lom-sinking-15-metres/

A concrete children’s play area at Wat Chong Lom, Pak Kret District, Northaburi, sank 1.5 metres, causing visible cracks to the nearby pavilion. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent further danger. At 15:30 on November 23, Mr. Thongbai Sertsorn, a member of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation Council, was alerted by local residents in Ban Mai Subdistrict about the incident. The collapse occurred in the outdoor play area, constructed over a canal at Wat Chong Lom. The sinkhole caused gym equipment installed on the concrete surface to tilt dangerously. Mr. Thongbai immediately coordinated with temple authorities and Pak Kret Municipality officials to inspect the site. Upon inspection, the damage was found to span approximately 30 metres in length, 6 metres in width, and 1.5 metres in depth. The area, located next to the temple’s multipurpose pavilion, had been used as a play zone for years. The pavilion itself also showed signs of extensive cracking due to the collapse. Ms. Boonthing Thongma, the community leader of Ban Mai Samanchan 4, stated that the play area, managed by Pak Kret Municipality, had served local children and youth for years without previous issues. She speculated that the collapse may have been caused by soil erosion beneath the concrete, likely due to water flow under the structure. Various agencies are currently investigating and working on urgent solutions. Mr. Ekkamgon Phoddaeng, the temple’s lay custodian, explained that preliminary assessments suggest the ground subsided due to tidal water eroding the sand beneath the structure and the canal’s embankment. This erosion likely destabilized the area, leading to the collapse and cracks in the pavilion. To ensure public safety, Pak Kret Municipality officials have placed barriers around the damaged play area and restricted access to prevent children or residents from approaching the hazardous zone. Municipal authorities and Wat Chong Lom have pledged to collaborate with engineering experts to develop a swift repair plan to address the structural damage and restore safety. Picture courtesy of Matichon. -- 2024-11-24

Rescue Team and Good Samaritans Save Dog Trapped in Concrete Pole Stack A male dog trapped between heavy high-voltage utility poles was successfully rescued in Pong Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, thanks to the efforts of rescue volunteers, municipal officers, and concerned locals. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344406-rescue-team-and-good-samaritans-save-dog-trapped-in-concrete-pole-stack/

A male dog trapped between heavy high-voltage utility poles was successfully rescued in Pong Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, thanks to the efforts of rescue volunteers, municipal officers, and concerned locals. The incident occurred at 21:05 on November 23. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre in Pattaya received a distress call from local residents reporting that a dog was stuck in a crevice within a pile of old high-voltage poles on an open field near Nong Hiang Soi, Pong Subdistrict. Rescue volunteers and officers from the Nong Prue Municipality quickly rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they found a distressed two-year-old male dog trapped between the large, heavy poles, each weighing several hundred kilograms. The dog appeared exhausted and gave pleading looks to onlookers, stirring great sympathy among the gathered crowd. Initial attempts by the rescue team to pull the dog free proved unsuccessful due to the weight of the poles. The team then coordinated with the Nong Prue Municipality to bring in a crane to lift and move the massive poles. After a careful and coordinated effort, they successfully freed the dog, which was unharmed. Ms. Sukanya Ngernpiam, 42, a local resident, explained that she and other concerned individuals saw a social media post about the trapped dog and hurried to the scene. Upon confirmation of the situation, they immediately contacted rescue services and municipal officers for assistance. Following the rescue, Ms. Sukanya offered to temporarily care for the dog at her home while waiting for a kind-hearted person to adopt it and provide a permanent home. Picture from responders -- 2024-11-24

Russian Naval Ships Dock in Thailand for Indo-Pacific Diplomatic Mission Two high-capability Russian Navy corvettes, RFS Rezkiy and RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov, docked at Juk Samet Pier, Sattahip Port, as part of a goodwill visit and diplomatic mission in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit is a key component of the Russian Pacific Naval Task Group’s ongoing mission to strengthen naval cooperation and conduct joint exercises with regional forces. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344405-russian-naval-ships-dock-in-thailand-for-indo-pacific-diplomatic-mission/

Two high-capability Russian Navy corvettes, RFS Rezkiy and RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov, docked at Juk Samet Pier, Sattahip Port, as part of a goodwill visit and diplomatic mission in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit is a key component of the Russian Pacific Naval Task Group’s ongoing mission to strengthen naval cooperation and conduct joint exercises with regional forces. Admiral Nattaphon Diaowanik, Commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, officially welcomed Captain Alexey Antsiferov, Deputy Commander of Russia’s 36th Primorskaya Division Pacific Fleet, during a reception aboard one of the Russian vessels. The event, held to foster diplomatic and military ties, was also attended by Russian Ambassador to Thailand, Evgeny Tomikhin. During the visit, the Russian Navy will engage in joint naval exercises with other Indo-Pacific forces, focusing on enhancing regional security and strengthening maritime partnerships. The goodwill mission underscores Russia’s strategic interest in the Indo-Pacific and aims to build trust and collaboration among participating nations. The presence of the RFS Rezkiy and RFS Aldar Tsydenzhapov, equipped with advanced weaponry and state-of-the-art technology, highlights the operational strength of Russia’s Pacific Fleet. The mission reflects Russia’s commitment to maintaining an active role in regional maritime affairs. This visit marks another chapter in the deepening of Thai-Russian relations, with both nations emphasizing the importance of maritime security and regional stability. The Russian Naval Task Group’s journey will continue across other key Indo-Pacific destinations, further fostering international naval cooperation. Picture courtesy of Khaosod. -- 2024-11-24

Tour Boat Capsizes in Cheow Lan Dam in Storm: Search for Missing French Tourist A long-tail tour boat carrying 13 people capsized in the Cheow Lan Dam (Ratchaprapha Dam) in Surat Thani province after being hit by a sudden storm, leaving one French tourist missing and others injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344403-tour-boat-capsizes-in-cheow-lan-dam-in-storm-search-for-missing-french-tourist/

A long-tail tour boat carrying 13 people capsized in the Cheow Lan Dam lake(Ratchaprapha Dam) in Surat Thani province after being hit by a sudden storm, leaving one French tourist missing and others injured. The incident occurred just before noon on November 23, near the scenic Three Friends Mountain (Khao Sam Kler), a popular tourist attraction in the area. The missing passenger, 83-year-old Mr. Rene Mary Corre, was among a group of 10 French tourists on a trip to Thailand, guided by a local tour company. According to Ms. Petchaluck Ruchirawarat, the group’s tour guide, the weather was initially clear when they departed from the pier to explore the dam, often called “Thailand’s Guilin” for its stunning limestone formations. “The sky was beautiful when we started,” she recounted. “The group took photos at a popular spot, and everything seemed normal. But just seven minutes after we left the photo area, dark clouds appeared, and heavy rain with strong winds struck suddenly, capsizing the boat at 11:45.” Ms. Petchaluck confirmed that all passengers were wearing life jackets when the boat overturned. Most of the group, including the guide and the boat operator, were rescued by nearby tour boats. However, Mr. Corre was swept away by strong currents. Following the incident, search and rescue operations were launched, coordinated by district officials and national park authorities. GPS tracking from the missing tourist’s phone led rescuers to find a floating bag belonging to him near the scene. Twelve individuals, including four French tourists who suffered minor injuries, were brought back to safety. Two of them were treated for chest pains and water inhalation at a local hospital, while another was transferred to Surat Thani Hospital for further care. At 18:00 search efforts were suspended due to worsening weather and rough water conditions, with operations set to resume on November 24 at first light.. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and have questioned the boat operator. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable weather conditions that can occur during Thailand’s monsoon season, even on seemingly clear days. Authorities urged operators and tourists to exercise caution and stay updated on weather forecasts when exploring natural attractions. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

Surin Man Drives Car with Pedestrian’s Body on Roof for Over 30 Km Before Being Stopped An incident in Surin Province has left the local community in disbelief after a man driving a car unknowingly carried the body of a pedestrian he had struck on the roof of his vehicle for more than 30 kilometres. Full Story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344402-surin-man-drives-car-with-pedestrian’s-body-on-roof-for-over-30-km-before-being-stopped/

An incident in Surin Province has left the local community in disbelief after a man driving a car unknowingly carried the body of a pedestrian he had struck on the roof of his vehicle for more than 30 kilometres. According to Pol. Col. Karom Boonsod, Chief of Tha Tum Police Station, the accident occurred earlier in the evening of November 23, at approximately 19:00, the driver, identified as Mr. Teerapat, a resident of That Subdistrict, Rattanaburi District, Surin Province, struck a man who was crossing the road. The impact caused the pedestrian’s body to land on the roof of Mr. Teerapat’s car. Unaware of the situation, Mr. Teerapat continued driving along the road from Chom Phra District to Tha Tum District. Meanwhile, officers from Chom Phra and Tha Tum Police Stations, along with rescue volunteers, coordinated efforts to locate and stop the vehicle after receiving reports from other motorists who noticed blood dripping from the car. Eventually, authorities intercepted the vehicle and detained Mr. Teerapat for questioning. He stated that he had poor visibility while driving and did not realise he had struck someone. He also claimed he was unaware that the victim’s body had landed on the roof of his car until the police stopped him. Witnesses following the car confirmed seeing the body on the roof, prompting them to alert local authorities. The deceased, whose identity remains unknown, is believed to have been a man crossing the road. Police are currently working to identify the victim and notify his family. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

A 26-year-old Myanmar worker endured an ordeal when his hand became trapped in a meat grinder at a pork shop in central Nakhon Nayok. It took over two hours for rescue teams to free him before rushing him to Nakhon Nayok Hospital with parts of the machine still attached to his hand. The incident occurred around 14:30 on November 23, at a shop located in the bustling Senaphinitch Road market. Emergency responders from Ruam Katanyu Rescue Unit were called to the scene, where they found the worker sitting beside the machine, his right hand stuck inside the grinder from his fingers to his wrist. Initial attempts to contact the shop's manager and a technician to dismantle the machine were unsuccessful. With the worker showing signs of exhaustion and increasing pain, rescuers decided to use hydraulic cutting tools and an electric saw to dismantle the grinder piece by piece. The process took over two hours, as medics administered IV fluids and monitored the worker's condition. By the second hour, his condition and pain had worsened, heightening the urgency of the rescue. Once freed from most of the machine, the worker was transported on a stretcher to Nakhon Nayok Hospital with parts of the grinder still attached to his hand. Medical teams at the hospital are worked to remove the remaining equipment and assess the extent of his injuries. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

A heartbroken mother mourns the death of her 4-year-old son, who drowned in a reservoir under construction. The boy fell into the water and was later found lifeless by rescue divers. The incident occurred at approximately 13.00 on November 23 at a water retention reservoir excavation site in Ban Nong Kra Chai, Village 11, Khok Sung Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima. The site was being developed as a water retention area for the village’s water supply system. Emergency responders from Hook 31 Rescue Unit were alerted and dispatched their specialised underwater search team to the scene. The reservoir, roughly 10 metres wide and 20 metres long, was filled with murky water and surrounded by concerned residents awaiting the rescue team. Initial reports identified the victim as Master Witthawat, aged 4. His mother, Ms. On, explained that she was working at a nearby housing project construction site, which was adjacent to the reservoir. She had allowed her son to play with the child of a co-worker. Shortly after, the co-worker’s child rushed back in panic, informing her that Witthawat had fallen into the water. Ms. On and her colleagues immediately searched for the boy but found only his shoes and a toy car abandoned near the reservoir’s edge. The steep and slippery banks, combined with the water’s turbidity, made the search challenging. The Hook 31 diving team began their operation along the shallow edges, where the water was about 3 metres deep, before extending to the centre of the reservoir, where depths reached 5 metres. After approximately 20 minutes of searching, the divers discovered the boy’s lifeless body at the reservoir’s deepest point. As his body was brought ashore, his devastated mother and grandfather broke into inconsolable cries of grief. Local police from Khok Sung Police Station conducted an investigation, and the boy’s body was taken to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for an autopsy. Mr. Chaisit Phupharat, head of the Hook 31 Buddhist Dharma Foundation in Nakhon Ratchasima, commented on the tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of water bodies near children. “We suspect the children were playing near the reservoir’s edge, which is steep and unstable. Being so young, they lacked the awareness and ability to help themselves after falling in. The boy likely slipped to the bottom, where the water was deepest.” Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-24

Myanmar Worker Rescued After Hand Trapped in Meat Grinder for Two Hours A 26-year-old Myanmar worker endured an ordeal when his hand became trapped in a meat grinder at a pork shop in central Nakhon Nayok. It took over two hours for rescue teams to free him before rushing him to Nakhon Nayok Hospital with parts of the machine still attached to his hand. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344384-myanmar-worker-rescued-after-hand-trapped-in-meat-grinder-for-two-hours/

4-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Reservoir Construction Site A heartbroken mother mourns the death of her 4-year-old son, who drowned in a reservoir under construction. The boy fell into the water and was later found lifeless by rescue divers. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1344383-4-year-old-boy-drowns-in-reservoir-construction-site/

A rare and extraordinary sighting of an Omura’s whale, a species rarely encountered in the wild, has left marine enthusiasts and local officials in awe. The majestic creature, measuring approximately 9-11 metres in length, was spotted near Mae Yai Island, part of the Surin Islands archipelago in Phang Nga Province. The discovery was made by officers from the Marine Security Unit of the Third Naval Area Command during a routine patrol. The team was returning from transporting a patient from the Surin Islands to the mainland in Kuraburi District when they encountered the whale surfacing gracefully near Mae Yai Island. The officers were able to capture this remarkable moment on camera, showcasing the beauty of this elusive marine mammal. The Omura’s whale (Balaenoptera omurai), often mistaken for the more common Bryde’s whale, is one of the rarest species of baleen whales. It was first identified in 2003 based on skeletal remains, which revealed distinct differences from Bryde’s whales. Notably, Omura’s whales are smaller, with adult males reaching up to 10 metres and females up to 11.5 metres. They also have more pronounced throat grooves and a taller, less curved dorsal fin. Named after Japanese marine biologist Dr. Hideo Omura, the species remains poorly understood due to its rarity and elusive nature. In Thailand, Omura’s whales are classified as protected wildlife under the 2019 Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act, ensuring their conservation in Thai waters. Encounters with Omura’s whales are exceptionally uncommon, making this sighting near the Surin Islands a significant event for marine researchers and conservationists. This region, known for its rich biodiversity, continues to serve as an essential habitat for marine life, emphasising the importance of protecting these pristine waters. Picture courtesy of Marine Security Unit -- 2024-11-24