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School Van Collides with 22-Wheel Truck in Sakaeo: 23 Students Injured A crash occurred early morning when a school, open style, van collided with a 22-wheel truck at the Phak Kha U-turn in Watthana Nakhon District, Sakaeo Province. The crash left 23 students injured, 10 boys and 13 girls. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345969-school-van-collides-with-22-wheel-truck-in-sakaeo-23-students-injured/

Picture from responders. A crash occurred early morning on December 11 at 07:25, when a school, open style, van collided with a 22-wheel truck at the Phak Kha U-turn in Watthana Nakhon District, Sakaeo Province. The crash left 23 students injured, 10 boys and 13 girls. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. The female driver of the school van was injured and trapped inside the wreckage but was successfully rescued by local emergency services using hydraulic cutting equipment. She sustained severe injuries to both legs and was immediately transported to the hospital. Emergency response units, including the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and rescue teams from Watthana Nakhon and Aranyaprathet, swiftly arrived at the scene. They used multiple ambulances and equipment to transport the injured students to Watthana Nakhon Hospital for treatment. Most of the students suffered minor injuries, such as abrasions, and remained conscious during the rescue efforts. Eyewitness reports indicate that the six-wheeled school van was severely damaged upon impact with the massive 22-wheel truck. The van rammed into the side of the truck, which for some yet unknown reason was side on to the flow of the traffic. The students were all thrown forward in the van, as they were seated on bench seating with no seat belts. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the cause of the collision and reviewing any available footage, plus interviewing witnesses. -- 2024-12-12

Major Fire Breaks Out at Paper Mill in Rayong A fire broke out at the Thai Paper Mills Company, a renowned paper factory located along the Ban Khai-Ban Bueng Road in Nong Bua Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. The incident occurred at approximately 14:30 on December 11, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency services. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345968-major-fire-breaks-out-at-paper-mill-in-rayong/

Picture and video from responders. A fire broke out at the Thai Paper Mills Company, a renowned paper factory located along the Ban Khai-Ban Bueng Road in Nong Bua Subdistrict, Ban Khai District, Rayong Province. The incident occurred at approximately 14:30 on December 11, prompting an immediate response from local authorities and emergency services. Pol. Lt. Col. Apichart Konetsuwan, an investigator at the Nong Krub Police Station, received the report and swiftly arrived at the scene with a team of officers, local disaster relief officials, and rescue volunteers from the Sawang Prakut Foundation. Upon arrival, the fire was raging fiercely through piles of paper stored outside the factory building, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Firefighters from nearby districts were called in to assist in battling the flames, while factory workers scrambled to escape the chaos. Efforts were made by the factory management to control the blaze. Workers attempted to use excavators, forklifts, and grappling vehicles to disperse and move the burning paper away from the fire. However, the highly flammable nature of the paper, coupled with strong winds, made containing the fire extremely challenging. According to factory staff, smoke was first spotted emanating from a large stack of compressed paper prepared for recycling. Within moments, the fire rapidly spread. Initial assessments suggest that the blaze may have been triggered by heat accumulation (spontaneous combustion) within the paper stack. The fire was still burning throughout the night, with firefighting using large water jets to contain the fire. Given the nature of the stacked paper the outside edges are burning and need to be continually extinguished with water, as the burning material is pulled away and the process repeated over and over. Authorities are working to determine the exact cause of the fire. Forensic experts are scheduled to inspect the site on December 12, but a full inspection will have to be after the fire is fully extinguished. Factory executives and eyewitnesses will be summoned for further questioning by authorities as part of the investigation. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported in the incident. -- 2024-12-12 ScreenRecording_12-11-2024 20-00-49_1.mp4

Saraburi: Factory Bus Plunges Off Road, Injuring 17 Workers A factory worker transport bus veered off the road and overturned. The crash occurred along the Suwannason Road, on the Phachi-Nong Khae route near Wat San Wihan, at the border between Phachi and Nong Khae districts in Saraburi Province. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345967-saraburi-factory-bus-plunges-off-road-injuring-17-workers/

Pictures from responders. A factory worker transport bus veered off the road and overturned at 06.45 on December 11. The crash occurred along the Suwannason Road, on the Phachi-Nong Khae route near Wat San Wihan, at the border between Phachi and Nong Khae districts in Saraburi Province. The crash resulted in injuries to 17 workers, including 15 women and 2 men. Emergency responders from the Phutthaithisawan Foundation and Ayutthaya’s Phachi rescue team were dispatched to the scene. The injured workers were promptly transported to Nong Khae Hospital and Phachi Hospital for treatment. Preliminary reports indicate that the bus, belonging to a factory in the area, lost control before plunging off the road. Rescue workers categorised the injuries as mostly minor, with a few moderate cases. Police from the Nong Khae Station are currently investigating the cause of the incident, including the possibility of mechanical failure or driver error. The driver who was not injured was taken for questioning and testing. -- 2024-12-12

Raja Ferry Considers Special EV-Only Ferry Service to Koh Samui Raja Ferry Public Company Limited, the leading ferry operator servicing Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, is considering introducing a special ferry route exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes as the company works to address fire safety concerns associated with EV batteries, which led to the temporary suspension of EV transportation on its ferries. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345966-raja-ferry-considers-special-ev-only-ferry-service-to-koh-samui/

File picture for reference only. Raja Ferry Public Company Limited, the leading ferry operator servicing Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, is considering introducing a special ferry route exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs). The move comes as the company works to address fire safety concerns associated with EV batteries, which led to the temporary suspension of EV transportation on its ferries. The announcement has sparked both support and criticism. While some commend the precautionary measure prioritising passenger safety, others, including EV owners and tourists planning year-end trips to Koh Samui, have expressed frustration over the inconvenience. The suspension has raised concerns, especially with the Christmas and New Year holiday season approaching, when travel demand peaks. Mr. Puttapong Wimolpan, Deputy Managing Director of Port Operations at Raja Ferry, explained that the decision to temporarily halt EV transportation stemmed from potential risks of battery overheating, which could lead to fires. To mitigate these risks, the company is actively procuring advanced fire suppression equipment, including car fire blanket and extinguishing agents, tailored to combat EV battery fires. Additionally, Raja Ferry is preparing to train its crew in handling EV-related fire emergencies, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure passenger safety. “We understand the concerns of EV users who rely on our services and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Safety is our utmost priority, and we are taking proactive steps to address the issue,” said Mr. Puttapong. To accommodate EV owners during this transition period, Raja Ferry is exploring the possibility of launching a dedicated ferry route specifically for electric vehicles. This special service would be equipped with enhanced fire safety measures to ensure a secure environment for both passengers and vehicles. “Our management is actively discussing solutions to minimize disruptions for EV users. We are working to implement safety measures as quickly as possible, including the potential launch of EV-only ferry services,” added Mr. Puttapong. The company’s temporary suspension of EV transportation underscores the challenges of integrating electric vehicles into existing infrastructure. While the situation has inconvenienced some travelers, Raja Ferry’s commitment to improving safety standards reflects the growing importance of adapting to the demands of sustainable transportation. Raja Ferry has reassured the public that they are expediting the necessary upgrades and training to resume EV services safely in the near future. Further updates on the special EV-only ferry service are expected as the company finalises its plans. Original story here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1345785-ev-owners-frustrated-as-samui-ferries-restrict-ev-transport-over-new-year-period/ -- 2024-12-12

Motorcyclist Severely Injured After Crashing into Parked Pickup Truck in Pattaya A motorcyclist was severely injured after colliding with the rear of a parked pickup truck in Soi 22, Mab Yailia, off Soi Nernplubwan, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, early morning. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345965-motorcyclist-severely-injured-after-crashing-into-parked-pickup-truck-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. A motorcyclist was severely injured after colliding with the rear of a parked pickup truck in Soi 22, Mab Yailia, off Soi Nernplubwan, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, early morning. The accident occurred at approximately 03:00 when rescue services from Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Radio Center received a report of the incident. Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders found 22-year-old Akkaradech Kongsathit lying face-down in a pool of blood with abrasions across his body. He was promptly given first aid before being transported to Bang Lamung Hospital for further treatment. Nearby, the victim’s red Honda PCX motorbike, license plate from Nakhon Phanom, was discovered severely damaged. The white Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, license plate from Chonburi, had a broken right tail light from the collision. The truck driver, 49-year-old Phinyo Panngeon, stated that he had parked on the roadside to relieve himself in the nearby bushes. He suddenly heard a loud crash and rushed back to find the injured motorcyclist behind his vehicle. Phinyo immediately contacted emergency services for assistance. Police have documented the scene and collected evidence. The pickup driver has been taken in for further questioning, and CCTV footage from the area will be reviewed to determine the exact cause of the crash. -- 2024-12-12

UPDATE Cause of Death of Five Workers in Fermented Fish Factory in Phetchabun The workplace incidnt at a fermented fish factory in Lomsak District, Phetchabun Province, that claimed the lives of five workers, was likely due to exposure to dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345790-5-workers-found-dead-at-fermented-fish-factory-pit-in-phetchabun/#findComment-19441352

UPDATE Cause of Death of Five Workers in Fermented Fish Factory in Phetchabun Picture from responders. The workplace incidnt at a fermented fish factory in Lomsak District, Phetchabun Province, that claimed the lives of five workers, was likely due to exposure to dangerously high levels of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranai Kongmuang, commander of the Phetchabun Provincial Police, revealed that blood and organ tests from the deceased workers showed abnormal green coloration, raising strong suspicions of toxic gas poisoning. The blood samples have been sent to the Forensic Institute for laboratory analysis, and authorities are awaiting confirmation of the exact cause of death. The incident occurred in a cesspit within the factory, where the five workers were reportedly exposed to a highly toxic environment. Initial investigations by the Disease Control Department confirmed that gas measurements at the site revealed hydrogen sulfide and ammonia concentrations five times above safe limits, a result of inadequate ventilation in the facility. Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranai noted that while the factory does not meet the criteria for classification as an industrial facility under Thai law, police will continue to investigate all aspects of the case. Experts, along with factory personnel, will be questioned to determine whether proper safety protocols were in place at the time of the incident. Among the deceased was the factory manager, who was also the son-in-law of the factory owner. The investigation will focus on whether negligence contributed to the incident. However, police currently treat the incident as a workplace accident, relying on scientific evidence to determine the precise cause. “This unfortunate event should serve as a wake-up call for businesses to implement strict safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Saranai stated. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the circumstances that led to this loss of life. -- 2024-12-12

Landslide Triggers Road Collapse in Yala: Woman Injured in Motorcycle Crash A landslide caused by persistent heavy rainfall has led to the collapse of a road near Betong Junior School in Village 3, Tharn Nam Thip Subdistrict, Betong District, Yala Province. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, left a 54-year-old woman severely injured after her motorcycle plunged into a deep trench created by the collapse. Full Story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345964-landslide-triggers-road-collapse-in-yala-woman-injured-in-motorcycle-crash/

Picture from responders. A landslide caused by persistent heavy rainfall has led to the collapse of a road near Betong Junior School in Village 3, Tharn Nam Thip Subdistrict, Betong District, Yala Province. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, left a 54-year-old woman, Mrs. Yupin Chumphonwong, severely injured after her motorcycle plunged into a deep trench created by the collapse. The road shoulder eroded to a depth of four metres, and along a 15-metre section of the route on the Ban Kapae Salang corridor, which connects to Village 5, Ban Ramong, Yarom Subdistrict, was completely destroyed. The collapse has rendered the road impassable, significantly disrupting transportation in the area. Mrs. Yupin was riding her motorcycle during heavy rain when she did not notice the collapse and fell into the ravine. Rescuers from the Guan Yin Metta Tham Betong Foundation quickly responded to the scene, navigating treacherous and muddy conditions to extract the injured woman and transport her to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care. Local authorities, including teams from the Yarom Highway Department, have sonce secured the area by placing warning signs and barriers to prevent further incidents. Preliminary assessments indicate that the saturated soil and ongoing rain triggered the landslide, weakening the road’s foundation and causing the sudden collapse. Residents in the affected area are expressing concerns about the safety of other vulnerable road sections, especially given the continuing adverse weather conditions. Local officials have announced plans to conduct a full assessment of the damage and prioritise repairs to restore connectivity along the route. -- 2024-12-12

Phu Kradueng National Park: Wild Elephant Kills Tourist An incident unfolded on the morning of December 11, at Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province when a wild elephant fatally attacked a domestic tourist, prompting authorities to enforce stricter safety measures and temporarily close high-risk areas. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345962-phu-kradueng-national-park-wild-elephant-kills-tourist/

Picture from responders An incident unfolded on the morning of December 11, at Phu Kradueng National Park, Loei Province when a wild elephant fatally attacked a domestic tourist, prompting authorities to enforce stricter safety measures and temporarily close high-risk areas. At 09:45 park officials received a report of an elephant attack on the trail between the Buddha Metta statue and Penpob Mai Waterfall, near the Wang Kwang Visitor Center. Rescue teams rushed to the scene, where they discovered the lifeless body of a 49-year-old woman, later identified as Ms. Jiranan from Chachoengsao Province. The victim had been walking along the trail when the attack occurred. This marks the first recorded incident of a tourist being killed by a wild elephant in the park’s history. Following the incident, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, instructed officials from Protected Area Administration Office 8 to investigate and ensure tourist safety. The department has extended its condolences to the victim’s family and pledged full support during this difficult time. Key measures implemented include: 1. Temporary Closures: High-risk areas, including trails frequented by wild elephants, such as the path to Penpob Mai Waterfall, are temporarily closed. 2. Increased Patrols: Park rangers have been deployed to monitor and patrol risky zones to prevent further incidents. 3. Visitor Guidelines: Tourists are advised to strictly follow safety instructions and avoid venturing into restricted areas. The nature trails and other low-risk sections of the park remain open under heightened surveillance, but the department emphasised that only areas confirmed to be 100% safe will be accessible to visitors. Officials from Phu Kradueng Police Station, along with medical personnel from Phu Kradueng Hospital, were dispatched to the scene to conduct an investigation. Senior police officers, including Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongpipat Siripornwiwat, Loei Provincial Police Commander, arrived at the site via helicopter to oversee the inquiry. Preliminary reports indicate that the woman was traveling alone when she encountered the elephant. The department has established a fact-finding committee to determine the exact circumstances of the incident and identify measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Phu Kradueng National Park officials and local authorities have expressed their deepest sympathies to the victim’s family. “This is a heartbreaking and unprecedented incident for our park,” said Mr. Adisorn Hemthanont, Chief of Phu Kradueng National Park. The department urged visitors to prioritise safety, especially during interactions with wildlife, and pledged to implement more robust measures to protect both tourists and the natural environment. -- 2024-12-12

This is Thai media coverage of the incident, which shows CCTV from the time of the incident and censored images from the crime scene.

Workers Flee Blaze in Pattaya Massage Shop Storage Room A fire broke at a massage and spa shop located on Pattaya Third Road in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The Pattaya City Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division, along with rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, quickly responded to the emergency call. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345901-workers-flee-blaze-in-pattaya-massage-shop-storage-room/

Picture and video from responders. A fire broke out on the morning of December 11, at a massage and spa shop located on Pattaya Third Road in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. The Pattaya City Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division, along with rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, quickly responded to the emergency call. The fire occurred in the storage room on the ground floor of a four-story commercial building that housed the massage shop. Employees attempted to contain the fire with fire extinguishers to prevent it from spreading. Rescue teams arrived shortly after and used a single water hose-line to extinguish the flames. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes, leaving only smoke in its aftermath. Initial reports indicated significant damage to massage equipment and other items stored in the room. The remainder of the floor also suffered smoke throighout. Employees stated that they smelled smoke coming from the back of the storage room before noticing flames and hearing small explosions. Despite their efforts to douse the fire with extinguishers, they were unable to control it and called emergency services. Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in an air conditioning compressor or its power socket. Authorities have requested forensic police to further inspect the scene and confirm the exact cause of the fire. The total value of the damage is yet to be determined. -- 2024-12-11 ScreenRecording_12-11-2024 11-41-54_1.mp4

Explosion and Fire Engulf Bangkok Home, Two Rescued from Bedroom An explosion startled residents early morning, which was initially thought to be a street brawl. However, upon inspection, the reality was far more shocking: a fire had erupted, engulfing a house in flames. Two women were trapped in a second-floor bedroom, unable to escape due to window security bars, prompting a dramatic rescue by firefighters. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345878-explosion-and-fire-engulf-bangkok-home-two-rescued-from-bedroom/

Pictures from responders. An explosion startled residents early morning on December 11, which was initially thought to be a street brawl. However, upon inspection, the reality was far more shocking: a fire had erupted, engulfing a house in flames. Two women were trapped in a second-floor bedroom, unable to escape due to window security bars, prompting a dramatic rescue by firefighters. The incident occurred at 02:10 in Soi Chan Kao 5, Chan Road, Chong Nonsi, Yannawa District, Bangkok. Pol. Lt. Somkriat Jaitrong, an investigator from Thung Maha Mek Police Station, received the emergency call and promptly dispatched firefighters and rescue teams from Thung Maha Mek and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation to the scene. When emergency responders arrived, they found flames and thick smoke emanating from the ground-floor kitchen of the home. The fire had quickly spread to the second floor. Firefighters worked rapidly, deploying hoses to contain the blaze. After 30 minutes, they managed to bring the fire under control. During the chaos, two women were found trapped in a second-floor bedroom, unable to escape due to security bars on the windows. Firefighters used ladders to access the room and employed cutting tools to remove the bars, allowing them to rescue the women. The rescue was challenging but successful, and both women were brought to safety. Emergency medical volunteers provided first aid before transporting the victims to Lerdsin Hospital. The women were identified as Mrs. Wiraporn 59, and Mrs. Jam 65. Both suffered from smoke inhalation but are expected to recover. Mrs. Wiraporn recounted the harrowing experience, saying, “I was sleeping upstairs when I heard a loud explosion. At first, I thought it was someone fighting, but when I looked again, I realised the house was on fire. My friend and I were trapped and couldn’t get down the stairs or out.” Preliminary inspections revealed no fatalities. However, the house and its contents were completely destroyed. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire and are conducting a thorough investigation. -- 2024-12-11

50-Year-Old Novice Nun Falls into Well After Disrupting Funeral in Nakhon Si Thammarat In a bizarre incident, a 50-year-old novice nun, ordained just three days earlier, fell into a 5-metre-deep well after disrupting a funeral and displaying erratic behavior at Wat Pa Wadi, in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345873-50-year-old-novice-nun-falls-into-well-after-disrupting-funeral-in-nakhon-si-thammarat/

Picture from responders. In a bizarre incident, a 50-year-old novice nun, ordained just three days earlier, fell into a 5-metre-deep well after disrupting a funeral and displaying erratic behavior at Wat Pa Wadi, in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. At approximately 13:30 on December 9, the Tai Tek Tung Foundation in Tha Sala received a report of a person falling into a well within the temple premises. Rescue workers rushed to the scene and found the nun standing waist-deep in water. She had sustained head and facial injuries. According to initial information, the nun, a native of Thung Song District, arrived at the temple three days before by bus and requested ordination from the resident monks. After her ordination, she reportedly began exhibiting behaviour suggestive of mental illness. Witnesses stated that she would chant loudly, dance, and disrupt temple activities. Before the accident, the nun allegedly caused a commotion at a funeral being held at the temple. Despite attempts by the host and monks to calm her down, she proceeded to the spirit house area, where she stepped on a brittle wooden plank covering the well. The plank gave way, causing her to fall to the bottom. Rescuers successfully brought her out of the well and provided first aid. The nun is reported to be safe but sustained injuries. Authorities suspect that the nun may be suffering from depression or a psychiatric condition. Efforts are underway to contact her relatives for further assessment and to determine the cause of her behaviour. -- 2024-12-11

UPDATE 14 Year Old Student Apprehended for Fatal Knife Attack Authorities in Sattahip, Chonburi, have apprehended a student from a prestigious private school who fatally stabbed a peer. The incident, which stemmed from an argument over a perceived challenge, has left the community in shock. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345853-14-year-old-thai-australian-boy-fatally-stabbed-after-dispute-in-bang-saray/#findComment-19439279

UPDATE 14 Year Old Student Apprehended for Fatal Knife Attack Picture from responders. Authorities in Sattahip, Chonburi, have apprehended a student from a prestigious private school who fatally stabbed a peer. The incident, which stemmed from an argument over a perceived challenge, has left the community in shock. Sattahip Police Station, led by Pol. Col. Thanapon Klinkasorn, in collaboration with investigating officers, located the suspect at a residence in Moo 10, Bang Saray, just 400 metres from the crime scene. The suspect, a 14-year-old boy was brought in for questioning. Authorities coordinated with the boy's parents and a multidisciplinary team to ensure the interrogation adhered to legal protocols, as the suspect is a minor. According to preliminary investigations, the conflict originated at school, where the suspect reportedly accused the victim of staring at him in a confrontational manner. This escalated into a verbal challenge, culminating in a private meeting arranged via chat messages. On the night of the incident, the suspect rode his motorcycle to meet the victim. The two began arguing and got into a physical altercation before separating. As the victim was walking back home, the suspect allegedly ran after him and stabbed him in the back. Tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries. The suspect reportedly claimed that he did not intend for the encounter to result in death. Police are continuing to investigate and have assured that legal procedures will be followed carefully due to the suspect's juvenile status. -- 2024-12-11