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Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has announced plans to request Bangkok’s City Council approval for a 14.5 billion baht payment to the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS). This move follows the Administrative Court’s decision on November 4 to deny a new review of the case, previously ruled on by Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court. The debt stems from outstanding payments for operations and maintenance (O&M) of the Green Line extension phases 1 and 2, which the Supreme Administrative Court ruled must be paid to BTS. The court stated that since the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has not identified wrongdoing by city officials, the contract and its terms remain enforceable. Initially, the Bangkok City Council attempted to bring the case back to court in September 2024 after the NACC raised concerns about alleged contract violations. However, the court recently clarified that the NACC’s concerns were not new information and had been addressed in prior rulings, making further appeals unnecessary. Governor Chadchart now intends to expedite the debt payment through two possible routes: appealing the Supreme Administrative Court’s dismissal, which seems unlikely to succeed, or securing City Council approval for a special fund to settle the debt. Chadchart is currently preparing to convene an extraordinary council session to address the debt and avoid potential penalties due to delayed payments. “We are trying to prevent additional interest penalties by making the payment within 180 days. I am collaborating closely with the council to ensure we can move forward swiftly and avoid complications,” Chadchart explained. The council meeting date will be confirmed soon, with hopes of reaching a consensus that aligns the administration and council on this financial resolution. File picture for reference only. -- 2024-11-10

Bangkok Governor Pushes to Settle BTS Debt of 14 Billion Baht After Court Dismisses Case Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has announced plans to request Bangkok’s City Council approval for a 14.5 billion baht payment to the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS). This move follows the Administrative Court’s decision on November 4 to deny a new review of the case, previously ruled on by Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343083-bangkok-governor-pushes-to-settle-bts-debt-of-14-billion-baht-after-court-dismisses-case/

Navy Region 1 Assists Stranded Fishing Boat in Trat Waters Navy Region 1 (NR1) quickly mobilised to assist a stranded fishing and tourist boat, “Heng Heng Nawa 1,” which was reported to be lost at sea near Trat. The boat, carrying five tourists and a crew member, went missing after setting out on a fishing trip. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343092-navy-region-1-assists-stranded-fishing-boat-in-trat-waters/

Navy Region 1 (NR1) quickly mobilised to assist a stranded fishing and tourist boat, “Heng Heng Nawa 1,” which was reported to be lost at sea near Trat. The boat, carrying five tourists and a crew member, went missing after setting out on a fishing trip on Monday, November 4. It was due to return to shore on November 7, but communication was lost, prompting the boat owner to seek help. NR1’s Command Centre received the distress call at 17:00 on November 8 and the boat’s last known coordinates were reported to be between Koh Wai and Koh Bai Tang. The command centre alerted nearby vessels through the Navy’s Line group and other communications channels, asking them to assist in the search. The Marine Department in Trat Province and local boating associations were also notified to spread the word. Around 21:00 on the same evening, the boat owner confirmed that the vessel had been located near Koh Rang. The boat had suffered a gearbox malfunction and was being now being towed to Koh Rang. All passengers and crew were reported safe. Navy Region 1, which leads regional efforts to safeguard national maritime interests, emphasised its commitment to ensuring security and sustainability for Thailand’s people and resources. File picture of the boat for reference only. -- 2024-11-10

A serious gastrointestinal illness outbreak has impacted nearly 1,000 students across two schools in Klaeng District, Rayong Province, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea raising concerns of a potential norovirus spread. Health authorities and school administrators are working urgently to contain the situation as cases continue to rise. The outbreak was first reported on November 5, when 84 students at Wat Phlong Chang Phueak School fell ill with diarrhea and vomiting. The number of cases surged on November 6, affecting 330 students. Though the number of cases slightly declined to 226 on November 7 due to the school’s annual sports day, new cases continued to emerge, with one student and ten teachers affected as of November 8. Dr. Kanokwan Benjatthikuch, Chair of Wat Phlong Chang Phueak School’s Education Committee, convened with local health officials and school leaders to address the outbreak. Water, milk, and fecal samples were sent to the Rayong Public Health Department for lab analysis, with results expected within 72 hours. A comprehensive report on the outbreak is anticipated by November 15. In response, Wat Phlong Chang Phueak School closed on November 8 for a full sanitation process and disinfection, with a plan to reopen on November 11. Principal Pattnaree Changlek outlined preventive measures, including a requirement for students to wear masks, practice social distancing, and regularly wash hands. Symptomatic students are asked to stay home to recover. The outbreak may have spread more easily due to large gatherings during sports day events. Teachers have been instructed to monitor students closely and communicate with parents via Line messaging groups to share updates on prevention and care at home. Health officials have categorised affected students into three groups based on severity: 325 with mild symptoms like nausea and fever; 308 with vomiting and diarrhea; and 30 students requiring hospitalisation at Klaeng Hospital due to severe weakness. A similar outbreak was reported at neighboring Klaeng School, where initial cases were detected on November 4. The number of affected students grew over several days, reaching 100 cases as of November 8. Rayong Public Health officials collected samples from both schools to identify the cause of the outbreak. Klaeng Hospital, where the most severe cases have been treated, has conducted swabs from students and sampled food, water, and kitchen facilities for analysis. The Rayong Public Health Department will release results within the next week, helping determine the outbreak’s source and advising further preventive actions. File picture for reference only of one of the schools. -- 2024-11-10

Outbreak of Gastrointestinal Illness in Rayong’s Klaeng District Affects Nearly 1,000 A serious gastrointestinal illness outbreak has impacted nearly 1,000 students across two schools in Klaeng District, Rayong Province, with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea raising concerns of a potential norovirus spread. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343089-outbreak-of-gastrointestinal-illness-in-rayong’s-klaeng-district-affects-nearly-1000/

In a coordinated effort, the Immigration Police of Sa Kaeo, in collaboration with the Ta Phraya Police Station and local military forces, successfully apprehended two suspects involved in the illegal drug trade and the possession of firearms at the border area of Ta Phraya District in Sa Kaeo province. The arrests took place on November 8, following a joint operation led by Colonel Napathorn Suphaporn, the Chief of the Sa Kaeo Immigration Office, Lieutenant Colonel Amornsak Saengwan, Deputy Chief of the Sa Kaeo Immigration Office, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Phruek Chotipruksookul, the Investigation Officer. The task force included officers from Ta Phraya Police, the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police’s Crime Suppression Unit, and military personnel from the Eastern Defense Command. The two suspects, Mr. Thongphun Yangnok, 40, and Ms. Thanyarat Chinhong, 26, both residents of Ta Phraya, were arrested at a location in Mu 12, Tambon Thap Ratch, Ta Phraya District. They were charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Additionally, Mr. Yangnok faces the extra charge of possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. After their arrest, the suspects were informed of their legal rights and transported to the Ta Phraya Police Station for further investigation. Authorities are continuing legal proceedings against the two individuals as part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region. Picture courtesy of police. -- 2024-11-10

Authorities Arrest Two Drug Dealers and Gun Possessor at Ta Phraya Border in Sa Kaeo In a coordinated effort, the Immigration Police of Sa Kaeo, in collaboration with the Ta Phraya Police Station and local military forces, successfully apprehended two suspects involved in the illegal drug trade and the possession of firearms at the border area of Ta Phraya District in Sa Kaeo province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343091-authorities-arrest-two-drug-dealers-and-gun-possessor-at-ta-phraya-border-in-sa-kaeo/

Early on the morning of November 9, a tour bus traveling from Chanthaburi to Roi Et crashed after veering off the road near kilometre marker 9+550 on Highway 2081 in Tha Tum District, Surin Province. The bus, a double-decker carrying people headed for a Buddhist merit-making event, crashed on its way through Tha Tum just before reaching Chumphon Buri District. Emergency responders from the Tha Tum Traffic Foundation and Pathum Thong Tha Tum Rescue Unit arrived at the scene around 05:10. They found the bus had left the road and was stopped in a waterway running parallel to the road. A medical assessment found 11 passengers with minor injuries, which were treated on-site before emergency vehicles transported the injured to Tha Tum Hospital for precautionary checks. To ensure the remaining passengers could continue their trip, nearby bus services were coordinated to transport them safely onward. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, but authorities remind drivers to exercise caution on rural roads, especially during early morning hours. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-10

Tour Bus Accident in Surin Leaves 11 Injured A tour bus traveling from Chanthaburi to Roi Et crashed after veering off the road near kilometre marker 9+550 on Highway 2081 in Tha Tum District, Surin Province. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343087-tour-bus-accident-in-surin-leaves-11-injured/

A Buddhist Kathin procession in Nakhon Ratchasima, took a frightening turn on the morning of November 9, when a swarm of bees and wasps, startled by loud bass music, attacked participants, leaving more than 30 people injured. The incident occurred at Don Khwang Temple in Hua Thale, Muang District. At around 10:00 rescue volunteers from the Sawang Metta Korat Unit responded to a distress call from Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital after multiple people reported being stung. The Kathin procession, an annual Buddhist ceremony, was underway with traditional music playing from a sound system on a cart. As the procession circled the temple, the deep bass startled bees and wasps nesting on the temple ceiling, causing them to swarm out and sting the crowd. Panic quickly spread as participants, many of them children and youth, screamed and cried from the pain of the stings. Elderly attendees were also affected, with some experiencing difficulty breathing due to severe allergic reactions. Onlookers rushed to assist, helping to remove stingers from victims and comforting those in distress. Emergency medical teams from the Hua Thale Subdistrict Municipality, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, and the Sawang Metta Unit provided first aid. Those with mild injuries were taken to the Non Frang Health Centre, while those with severe reactions were transported to Maharat Hospital. One participant, Mr. Busadee Sonthiha, a local fuel station employee, described the chaos as he narrowly escaped being stung. He recounted how the swarm suddenly descended upon the crowd, causing the sound operator to abandon the audio equipment, leaving it running as the crowd scattered. After the temple was cleared of people, local firefighters were called to burn the nests and clear all the bees and wasps from the site. Picture of the sound system courtesy of Matichon. -- 2024-11-10

Swarm of Bees and Wasps Attack Buddhist Kathin Procession in Nakhon Ratchasima Picture of the sound system courtesy of Matichon. A Buddhist Kathin procession in Nakhon Ratchasima, took a frightening turn, when a swarm of bees and wasps, startled by loud bass music, attacked participants, leaving more than 30 people injured. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343088-swarm-of-bees-and-wasps-attack-buddhist-kathin-procession-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Serious Crash in Surin Province Between Pickup and Truck A serious collision occurred on a bridge near the Thatoom Highway Police Box in Thatoom District prompted an emergency response early morning. A pickup truck collided with the rear of a trailer transporting a rice harvester, leaving one person injured and trapped inside the vehicle. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343096-serious-crash-in-surin-province-between-pickup-and-truck/

A serious collision occurred on November 9, on a bridge near the Thatoom Highway Police Box in Thatoom District prompted an emergency response early morning. A pickup truck collided with the rear of a trailer transporting a rice harvester, leaving one person injured and trapped inside the vehicle. The “Chom Phra Gratitude Rescue Unit” received an urgent call for assistance, requesting specialised hydraulic cutting and spreading equipment to free the trapped individual. The team promptly deployed personnel and an ambulance equipped with the necessary tools to the scene, and as rescuers worked to access the casualty, medical teams worked on his injuries to stabilise his condition and help him survive the incident. Thanks to their quick response, the rescue units were able to extract the injured person from the wreckage in about 25 minutes and medical teams handed him over to a hospital EMS team. The victim was then transferred by Thatoom Hospital’s EMS to the hospital for further medical treatment. The rescue operation highlights the importance of timely intervention in ensuring victims receive necessary care as quickly as possible. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-10

A fire broke out late on the night of November 8, damaging eight army residences at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani. Authorities and military personnel scrambled to control the blaze and salvage property from the affected buildings. The fire was reported to the Surat Thani City Police Station radio centre at 22:00. Firefighters from the Surat Thani Municipality, led by Mayor Prasert Boonprasop, arrived with nearly ten fire engines to tackle the flames. The fire originated in the corner building in Soi 5, which is a row of army residences with upper wooden structures and concrete bases. Flames initially spread through the wooden upper floors, quickly igniting adjacent rooms. During the incident, soldiers living in the affected residences and nearby buildings rushed to remove belongings. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than an hour before successfully bringing it under control. In total, eight residences were significantly damaged, though no injuries or fatalities were reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Picture from responders. -- 2024-11-10

Fire Destroys Eight Army Residences at Vibhavadi Camp in Surat Thani A fire broke out late at night, damaging eight army residences at the Vibhavadi Rangsit Camp in Surat Thani. Authorities and military personnel scrambled to control the blaze and salvage property from the affected buildings. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343081-fire-destroys-eight-army-residences-at-vibhavadi-camp-in-surat-thani/

Police from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have arrested a woman operating an unlicensed loan business, charging high interest rates and accepting firearms, land deeds, and vehicles as collateral. The arrest was conducted by a team led by Police Major General Phumipat Patrasriwongchai, following a search warrant issued by the Songkhla Provincial Court. The suspect, a 49-year-old woman identified as Ya Chai, was apprehended at her residence in Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province. Seized during the search were a handgun with seven 9mm rounds, 22 motorcycles, one car, two land deeds, and two loan contracts. Investigations began after officers from the CCIB Unit 5 noticed a Facebook account under the name “Ya Kim” regularly posting advertisements offering high-interest loans and pawn services for vehicles. Police traced the account to Ya Chai, leading to the issuance of a search warrant. Upon entering her home, officers found firearms, loan contracts, land deeds, and numerous vehicles used as collateral. During questioning, Ya Chai admitted to offering loans via her Facebook account, using her personal phone to post advertisements. She stated she provided loans with an annual interest rate of up to 15%, requiring collateral such as vehicles or land deeds. She admitted to lending sums as high as one million baht, secured by land deeds, though she did not possess the required license to operate a credit business. The seized items represented collateral from clients, with transactions amounting to approximately one million baht. The police have charged her with illegal possession of a firearm and operating an unlicensed loan business. She and the seized items were handed over to the Singhanakhon Police Station for further legal action. Picture courtesy of police. -- 2024-11-10

Cyber Police Arrest Loan Shark Charging 15% Interest, Seize Guns, Land Deeds, and Vehicles Police from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) have arrested a woman operating an unlicensed loan business, charging high interest rates and accepting firearms, land deeds, and vehicles as collateral. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343080-cyber-police-arrest-loan-shark-charging-15-interest-seize-guns-land-deeds-and-vehicles/

Chinese Tourist Rescued After Snorkeling Incident in Similan Islands A dramatic rescue operation unfolded on November 9, as Thai authorities rushed to save a 27 year old Chinese tourist who lost consciousness while snorkelling in the Similan Islands and was not wearing a life jacket. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343100-chinese-tourist-rescued-after-snorkeling-incident-in-similan-islands/

A dramatic rescue operation unfolded on November 9, as Thai authorities rushed to save a 27 year old Chinese tourist who lost consciousness while snorkelling in the Similan Islands and was not wearing a life jacket. The incident occurred around 14:40 at Mu Ko Similan National Park, located on Koh Miang in Phang Nga Province. According to reports from TSK Marine, the tourist, identified as Mr. Lou Yiling, had been snorkeling for the third time that day without wearing a life jacket when he began to struggle and eventually lost consciousness in the water. National park rangers swiftly responded to the emergency, bringing the unconscious tourist ashore to the Similan Islands’ Koh Miang marine security station. First responders noted that the man was unresponsive and vomiting blood, prompting immediate first aid. With his condition deemed critical, the team coordinated a rapid transfer to the Khao Lak Medical Centre for further treatment. At approximately 15:15, a park-operated speedboat transported Mr. Lou to Thap Lamu Pier, where he arrived at 16:40. Subsequently, at 18:00 the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area dispatched a helicopter to transport him to a medical facility with advanced medical care. Picture courtesy of Matichon -- 2024-11-10

French Tourist Rescued After Self-Harm Incident in Phuket Hotel Phuket City Police responded swiftly to aid a French tourist who had inflicted self-harm in a hotel room on Phuket Road, in the Talat Yai area. The 34-year-old man was discovered by hotel staff after exhibiting distressing behaviour Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343058-french-tourist-rescued-after-self-harm-incident-in-phuket-hotel/

Thaksin accused of undermining Thai monarchy, court decision imminent Picture courtesy of Thairath Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has not yet provided testimony in a legal case where both he and the ruling Pheu Thai Party face serious allegations. The accusations suggest attempts to undermine Thailand’s constitutional monarchy. This development comes as the deadline for public prosecutors to submit their findings to the Constitutional Court is fast approaching. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343017-thaksin-accused-of-undermining-thai-monarchy-court-decision-imminent/

to continue Thailand Live Sunday 10 November 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1343097-thailand-live-sunday-10-november-2024/

Chinese Tourist Talked Down After Climbing Tree in Distressed State in Pattaya Rescue officials in Pattaya responded to an unusual incident involving a distressed tourist who had climbed a tree in a parking lot on Phettrakul Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1343060-chinese-tourist-talked-down-after-climbing-tree-in-distressed-state-in-pattaya/

Rescue officials in Pattaya responded to an unusual incident at 22.05 on November 8, involving a distressed tourist who had climbed a tree in a parking lot on Phettrakul Road, Nong Prue, Bang Lamung, Chonburi. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre coordinated with disaster prevention teams and Pattaya City Police to handle the situation. Upon arrival, they found a crowd gathered around the banyan tree, estimated to be over a century old and wrapped in colourful ribbons and offerings from locals. In the branches, a Chinese tourist identified as Mr. Lin Jinhua was perched, visibly anxious and seemingly afraid of something. Rescue personnel and police attempted to calm Mr. Lin, encouraging him to come down, but he initially refused. As the tres was not that high negotiations continued and after more than 30 minutes, he eventually climbed down voluntarily, where authorities quickly held him to prevent him climbing the tree again and escorted him away, for a medical assessment. A nearby tour bus driver, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that he had seen Mr. Lin arguing with his wife, both appeared to be under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Suddenly, Mr. Lin ran toward the tree and climbed up before anyone could intervene. The driver attempted to call him down but was unsuccessful, prompting him to contact emergency services for assistance. The tourist was safely brought down, and authorities are investigating the incident, but don’t expect to take any legal action. Picture and video from responders. -- 2024-11-09 ScreenRecording_11-09-2024 11-23-10_1.mp4