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Buffalo Rescued After Falling into 7-Metre-Deep Well in Chonburi A 4-year-old male buffalo, affectionately named “Mum,” was rescued by local villagers and rescue workers after falling into a 7-metre-deep abandoned well in Na Wang Hin Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345974-buffalo-rescued-after-falling-into-7-metre-deep-well-in-chonburi/

Picture from the rescue. A 4-year-old male buffalo, affectionately named “Mum,” was rescued by local villagers and rescue workers after falling into a 7-metre-deep abandoned well in Na Wang Hin Subdistrict, Phanat Nikhom District. The incident occurred on December 10, when Mum strayed from his herd and accidentally plunged into the old well. Rescue volunteers and local residents swiftly mobilised to save the buffalo. A crane truck and ropes were used to stabilise and lift Mum from the bottom of the well. After approximately 45 minutes of effort, the team successfully pulled Mum out of the well. Upon inspection, Mum was found with multiple abrasions on his front and hind legs but no serious injuries. First aid was administered, by villagers and Mum was returned to his enclosure for rest and recovery. The community praised the coordinated efforts of all involved in ensuring Mum’s safety. -- 2024-12-12

Man Killed by Elephant in Chanthaburi Province At approximately 11:15 on December 11, the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Team in Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province, received a report of a fatal elephant attack in Moo 6, Khao Lamok Reservoir Soi, Phawa Subdistrict. Full Story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345973-man-killed-by-elephant-in-chanthaburi-province/

Picture from responders. At approximately 11:15 on December 11, the Sawang Katanyu Rescue Team in Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province, received a report of a fatal elephant attack in Moo 6, Khao Lamok Reservoir Soi, Phawa Subdistrict. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue personnel discovered the body of a 45-year-old man identified as Mr. Wirat Kaikaew. Originally from Bo Thong District, Chonburi Province, Mr. Wirat had been working and residing in a community forest plantation in Moo 6. The victim had suffered multiple crush injuries and broken limbs and was covered in blood. The state of the body suggests the victim had been dead for 10 to 12 hours. Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred during the night when the victim was attacked by a wild elephant. Authorities, including officers from Kaeng Hang Maeo Police Station and other relevant agencies, were contacted to investigate the scene further. The body of the deceased was transported to Kaeng Hang Maeo Hospital for an autopsy. Further details regarding the incident remain under investigation. This event highlights the ongoing risks posed by human-wildlife conflicts in areas where elephants and human activities intersect. -- 2024-12-12

Car Loses Control and Crashes into Car Wash in Lopburi: One Dead, Multiple Injured A crash occurred late afternoon, when a car lost control, struck a utility pole, and crashed into a coin-operated car wash on Lopburi-Wang Muang Road near Kilometre Marker 5-6 in Nikom Sang Ton Eng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lopburi. The crash left one person dead and four others injured. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345972-car-loses-control-and-crashes-into-car-wash-in-lopburi-one-dead-multiple-injured/

Picture captured from CCTV. A crash occurred late afternoon on December 10 when a car lost control, struck a utility pole, and crashed into a coin-operated car wash on Lopburi-Wang Muang Road near Kilometre Marker 5-6 in Nikom Sang Ton Eng Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lopburi. The crash left one person dead and four others injured. Police from Lopburi City Police Station, along with rescue teams from Phra Narai Maharaj Hospital and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, rushed to the scene after receiving the emergency call. At the scene, authorities found a gray-black Mazda car with Bangkok license plate in a severely damaged state. The vehicle had collided with a utility pole before crashing into the car wash and striking the rear of a parked Toyota pickup truck. Four individuals sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment. Tragically, the body of Mr. Thachathon Thirathdechanon, 28, was discovered under the pickup truck. Rescue teams recovered his body for autopsy procedures. Witnesses reported that the Mazda car was traveling at high speed toward Khok Tum when the driver lost control and first collided with a white Honda car (license plate Bangkok). The vehicle then spun out, struck the utility pole, and crashed into the car wash. Remarkably, Ms. Kanyakan Sroi Sangwan, the owner of the Toyota pickup truck, narrowly avoided the crash as she had stepped away seconds earlier to dispose of trash. The impact also ejected the driver of the Mazda from the vehicle. CCTV footage revealed that the Mazda was traveling at an excessively high speed before losing control. Survivors with minor injuries explained that they had been traveling from Chonburi, visiting various locations before heading home. Fatigue and insufficient rest likely caused the driver to fall asleep at the wheel, leading to the fatal crash. Authorities have confirmed that the crash was caused by negligence and driver fatigue. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full details of the incident. -- 2024-12-12

Second Body Found Floating in Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi Police from the Nonthaburi Police Station, alongside rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, responded to reports of a body found floating in the Chao Phraya River near Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Science were also called to the scene. Full story:https://aseannow.com/topic/1345970-second-body-found-floating-in-chao-phraya-river-in-nonthaburi/

Picture from responders. Police from the Nonthaburi Police Station, alongside rescuers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation, responded at 22.00 on December 10, to reports of a body found floating in the Chao Phraya River near Phra Nang Klao Hospital. Forensic experts from the Institute of Forensic Science were also called to the scene. The body was that of an unidentified man, estimated to have been deceased for at least three days. Due to the advanced decomposition of his face, identification was not immediately possible. The man was found wearing a black shirt and black trousers, both stained with mud. His body was floating face down, partially covered by water hyacinths. Rescuers retrieved the body and brought it to the area beneath the Chaloem Khet Bridge for further examination. Initial investigations revealed no identification documents on the man and no visible injuries or signs of foul play. Authorities noted the man was bald and said they would check with local police stations to see if any missing person reports matched the deceased. The body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Science for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. This incident marks the second body found in the Chao Phraya River that day. Earlier in the afternoon, a woman with short hair was found floating near the Nonthaburi Bridge. Similar to the male victim, no identification documents were found on her person. Police are continuing investigations into both cases and are seeking to locate the victims’ families. -- 2024-12-12

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.