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Picture from the scene of collapse. In a shocking incident, the ceiling of the auditorium in Kham Khuean Kaeo District, Yasothon Province, collapsed during an academic event, leaving the venue engulfed in dust. Teachers and students attending the event were thrown into panic, with four individuals sustaining minor injuries, including scratches and cuts on their heads and dust in their eyes. The incident occurred while the auditorium was being used to host an exhibition for the "Sufficiency School Evaluation," part of a learning centre initiative aligned with the principles of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in education. The event was attended by Lieutenant Anusit Buahung, the district chief of Kham Khuean Kaeo, along with evaluation committee members, school administrators, teachers, and students. As the evaluation guidelines were being presented, the ceiling unexpectedly gave way, crashing down with a loud noise. The unexpected collapse caused widespread panic among the attendees. Preliminary investigations suggest that the collapse was caused by the accumulation of pigeon droppings, as a large number of pigeons had taken residence above the ceiling. The added weight, combined with the aging structure, is believed to have led to the ceiling's failure. Lieutenant Anusit Buahung commented on the situation, acknowledging that the auditorium had been in use for many years and had deteriorated over time. He noted that a budget request for repairs had already been submitted and was awaiting approval. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bodies of Two Found on Koh Si Chang, Suspected to be Mother and Son The bodies of two individuals were found on the shore of Tha Wang Beach in Koh Si Chang District, Chonburi Province. The deceased are believed to be a mother and her son Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336840-bodies-of-two-found-on-koh-si-chang-suspected-to-be-mother-and-son/

Picture from responders. In a heart-wrenching discovery, the bodies of two individuals were found on the shore of Tha Wang Beach in Koh Si Chang District, Chonburi Province. The deceased are believed to be a mother and her son. The woman has been identified as Ms. Pannapha (surname withheld), approximately 40 years old. The young boy, estimated to be around 10 years old, was identified based on identification documents indicating that he resided in Moo 5, Bueng Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. The cause of the drowning is currently unknown, and authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was an accident or an intentional act. The police are urgently reviewing CCTV footage to gather more information and ascertain the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Fire at Foundry Injures 8 Workers in Samet Sakhon A fire broke out at a foundry in Samut Sakhon this morning, leaving eight workers injured. The incident occurred while workers were sculpting a statue of the deity Sun Wukong (Heng Jia) in preparation for casting. The fire quickly spread to a gas cylinder, leading to an explosion. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336838-fire-at-foundry-injures-8-workers-in-samet-sakhon/

Pictures from responders. A fire broke out at a foundry in Samut Sakhon this morning, leaving eight workers injured. The incident occurred while workers were sculpting a statue of the deity Sun Wukong (Heng Jia) in preparation for casting. The fire quickly spread to a gas cylinder, leading to an explosion. At approximately09:30 on August 29, the Khok Kham Police Station's radio communication centre received a report of a fire at a private company specialising in metal casting, located in Moo 7, Khok Kham Subdistrict. Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasop Panjang, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation at Khok Kham Police Station, and investigators were dispatched to the scene. The fire was reported to be severe, prompting coordination with local fire departments, including those from Khok Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Bang Ya Phraek Subdistrict Municipality, Phanthai Norasing Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Samut Sakhon City Municipality, and Samut Sakhon Provincial Administration. Five fire trucks were deployed to control the blaze. Emergency medical services from the Samut Sakhon Rescue Foundation, Khok Kham Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and Phanthai Norasing Subdistrict Administrative Organisation were also called in to assist the injured workers. Upon arrival, authorities found the fire raging inside the building. Rescue teams worked to extinguish the flames while evacuating eight workers who had suffered burns. The injured were transported to Samut Sakhon Hospital, with initial reports indicating that their injuries were not life-threatening. According to the factory supervisor, the foundry produces a wide range of metal castings, including Buddha images and deity statues, based on customer specifications. Before the fire, workers were engaged in metal welding to shape a statue of the deity Sun Wukong. Sparks from the welding process ignited surrounding material, causing a fire that resulted in burns to several workers. The flames then spread to a small gas cylinder, which could not be removed in time, leading to an explosion. The estimated damage is 10 million baht. The police have requested that the factory supervisor, the company owner, and any witnesses provide further statements at Khok Kham Police Station. Forensic experts will also be involved in the investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe Picture of the destroyed statue of the deity Sun Wukong

Tragedy Strikes as Two Teenagers Drown at Pong Din Dam Reservoir Si Racha Two 17-year-old girls drowned on the morning of August 29, at the Pong Din Dam Reservoir in Moo 12, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. The girls were part of a group of 14 teenagers who had gone to the reservoir for an overnight outing. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336834-tragedy-strikes-as-two-teenagers-drown-at-pong-din-dam-reservoir-si-racha/

Picture of the location of the incident. In a heartbreaking incident, two 17-year-old girls drowned on the morning of August 29, at the Pong Din Dam Reservoir in Moo 12, Bang Phra Subdistrict, Si Racha District, Chonburi Province. The girls were part of a group of 14 teenagers who had gone to the reservoir for an overnight outing. The group arrived at the reservoir late at night on August 28, to relax and enjoy their time together. At around 06:00 in the morning, they decided to go for a swim and some boating. Two of the boys from the group initially took out a plastic boat measuring 250 by 80 centimetres, paddling around the reservoir while the others played by the water's edge. Later, four of the teenagers, including the two girls identified as Din and Preaw, asked to take the boat across the reservoir, which was approximately 100 metres wide. However, as they were about to return, water began seeping into the boat, causing it to capsize. The two boys who could swim managed to hold onto the boat, but the two girls, unable to swim, tragically drowned before their friends could rescue them. Local police from Si Racha Police Station, along with the Pure Ruam Jai Si Racha rescue team and the village head, quickly arrived at the scene. After over an hour of searching, the bodies of the two girls were recovered from the reservoir, much to the grief of their family members and friends. The bodies were sent to the hospital for an autopsy. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Tragic Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operation Concludes: All Three Workers Found Dead After 126 Hours In a heartbreaking conclusion to a 126-hour rescue operation, all three workers trapped inside a collapsed railway tunnel have been found dead. Rescue teams encountered numerous challenges in their efforts to recover the bodies and are now preparing to remove them from the site. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336423-landslide-buries-workers-inside-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-in-nakhon-ratchasima/?do=findComment&comment=19191785

UPDATE Tragic Tunnel Collapse Rescue Operation Concludes: Three Workers Found Dead After 126 Hours Picture showing the access through which the last two bodies were reached. In a heartbreaking conclusion to a 126-hour rescue operation, three workers trapped inside a collapsed railway tunnel have been found dead. Rescue teams encountered numerous challenges in their efforts to recover the bodies and are now preparing to remove them from the site. Ekarach Sriarayapong, Head of the Office of the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided an update on the situation. The incident occurred on August 24 at 23:40, when the tunnel collapsed due to a soil subsidence, trapping three workers inside.On August 29, at 11:00, the first body was successfully recovered by the SRT rescue team in collaboration with the Hunan Sunshine Rescue Team from China. Sadly, at approximately 06:00 August 30, two more bodies were discovered. The deceased were identified as Mr. Hu Xiangmin, a Chinese national and supervisor, and Mr. Tong Xinlin, a Chinese national and excavator driver. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to dig through the soil and construct support structures to prevent further collapses as they attempt to retrieve the bodies. The SRT expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and thanked all rescue teams, government officials, and private sector personnel involved in the operation. The collapsed tunnel, part of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, is located in the Klong Pai area, near Klong Khananchit in Chanthuek Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The incident has highlighted the difficulties faced by rescue teams, including ongoing soil slides from the top of the tunnel, which significantly delayed recovery efforts. Rescue operations were also hindered by a rock layer blocking the life-saving pipe, forcing teams to switch to constructing support boxes to stabilise the area and protect against further soil and rock falls. The recovery operation, which lasted 126 hours, has now ended in tragedy. The SRT is committed to supporting the families of the victims during this difficult time. -- 2024-08-30 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Deputy Prime Minister Follows Up on High-Speed Train Tunnel Collapse, Encourages Rescue Teams Amid Ongoing Search Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Arsi Sumpantarat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, and Chaiwat Junthirapong, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, visited the site, at 15.00 on August 29, of the high-speed train tunnel collapse in Moo 2, Ban Thaheep, Chanthuek Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This marks the third consecutive day of their visit as they continue to monitor the rescue efforts. During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin and his team received an update on the operation's progress. He also offered words of encouragement to the rescue teams, who are risking their lives to carry out the mission. Despite not detecting any signs of life from the two remaining victims trapped in the debris, Anutin reassured that the search would continue until the victims are found. Anutin reported that the body of the first victim has been recovered. According to the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the deceased was found outside of a truck, with the cause of death potentially linked to several factors, including dehydration, starvation, and suffocation. The body has been sent to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital for an autopsy to confirm the cause and time of death. Regarding the two remaining victims, both of whom are Chinese nationals—a construction engineer and a backhoe driver—Deputy Prime Minister Anutin stated that their locations have been identified. However, the Life Locator, a radar device used to detect movements beneath the debris, has not detected any signs of life, given that the incident occurred over 100 hours ago. This diminishes the likelihood of survival, but the search will continue. Anutin emphasised the importance of safety during this operation, noting that experts, doctors, and rescue teams are working under a temporary structure designed to prevent further collapses. He highlighted the need to adhere to international rescue standards and acknowledged the advice of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanes Weerasiri, President of the Council of Engineers, who provided guidance on the operation. Anutin expressed his gratitude to the rescue teams and workers who have been relentlessly working under dangerous conditions from the beginning. Triyasuli Taisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior, added that all parties involved, including engineers, rescue teams, and medical staff, agreed that to avoid confusion, it is crucial to clarify the role of the Life Locator device. It detects movement, not vital signs, meaning the detected signals could be caused by shifting rocks, soil, or sand, or possibly reactions from the deceased's body. The successful recovery of the first victim's body demonstrated that the device could accurately locate victims. The search for the remaining two victims will continue, utilising both radar technology and K-9 units. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Very few fire services anywhere in the world have long duration breathing apparatus, like BG4, as they are such a specialist piece of equipment. Normally found where you have mines, long tunnels or underground train systems, or where there are long access routes. Life detection radar research is mainly based and tested on collapsed structure rescue, such as building collapse after an earthquake. Using it here is better than nothing, as it has clearly identified the location of the missing workers, but was unable to define if the victim was living or not.

I believe the problem, is that a deep tunnel, like any underground mine is a strange place where sounds are often difficult to define, from echos and background noise. Noise underground is what started the ancient myth of the ‘tommy knockers’. It could also been wishing thinking from the rescue personal, as there was only a very limited access to the vehicle and what was reported by the few rescuers who reach that point could have grown like a ‘ Chinese whisper’ (no pun intended), and details exaggerated as it was passed along.

Good spot. In all other pictures and videos it has clearly been in use. The open end of the ventilation stops short of where the collapsed occurred, which is why I believe these workers were under unsupported ground’. There is no evidence of damaged ventilation ducting on the ground in that area. The only reason I can think of why the ventilation is off, is that the rescue team want a quiet period, all work and workers has been stopped and withdrawn, to allow better readings on the life detector radar and I would assume that seismic sound devices are being deployed. Providing the team has gas meters measuring O2 levels, it is would be safe, as only takes a radio call to turn the ventilation fan back on, if O2 drops. I wonder if earlier false reading on the life detection radar was caused by vibration, post-mortem body reaction or even animal/rodent/insect activity. The video is from the public relations department of Nakhon Ratchasima Province and the official is the Governor, so maybe the team’s deployment was not until the ventilation was turned back on. I am not aware of any Thai rescue teams that have long duration breathing apparatus, such as the Drager BG4.

On the afternoon of August 29, the command centre again sent a specialist USAR team, with K9 search dogs and collapsed structure robot search drone team to the area to search for the remaining two victims inside the railway tunnel. RPReplay_Final1724928332.mp4

Preliminary examinations of the body of the first workers, at the scene, by medical staff, suggests that he died 3-5 days ago. The Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital will conduct a thorough autopsy to determine and confirm the exact cause and time of death. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commented and confirmed the that initial findings did indicate the worker died from suffocation 3-5 days ago. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Reporters stated that the first missing worker’s body that was found is the worker from Myanmar. Officials have transported the body of that first worker from the tunnel. The rescue team's ambulance, brought the body out before driving away from the scene to hospital, where an autopsy will be carried out RPReplay_Final1724915304.mp4

Access to the rescue scene is restricted, but this video was taken this morning, August 29, showing the conditions at the point where the vehicle was located. My Movie.mp4

UPDATE First Worker Found Dead in Tunnel Collapse A tragic discovery has been made as the first worker trapped in the collapsed railway tunnel has been found dead, with the efforts to rescue the remaining two workers are ongoing. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336423-landslide-buries-workers-inside-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-in-nakhon-ratchasima/?do=findComment&comment=19189965

UPDATE First Worker Found Dead in Tunnel Collapse Picture from the scene of the body discovery. A tragic discovery has been made as the first worker trapped in the collapsed railway tunnel has been found dead, with the efforts to rescue the remaining two workers are ongoing. Ekarat Sriarayanpong, head of the Governor's Office at the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided an update on the rescue operation, which has now entered its fifth day. At 11:00 on August 29, the SRT rescue team, alongside the Hunan Sunshine Rescue Team from China, confirmed the discovery of the first worker's body. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed. The rescue teams have faced numerous challenges over the past few days, including continuous landslides from above the tunnel, which have complicated the digging process. Additionally, attempts to use a rescue pipe were hindered by rock layers, forcing the teams to switch to constructing support boxes to prevent further soil and rock from falling, which remains a significant obstacle. Despite these difficulties, the rescue teams are working around the clock, with the hope of finding and rescuing the remaining two workers alive. The goal is to try to complete the rescue operation by the end of today. The State Railway of Thailand has expressed its deepest condolences and is committed to providing full support and compensation to the family of the deceased worker. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote has encouraged the rescue teams to remain patient and cautious, emphasising the importance of safety during the rescue operations. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Vehicle Reached in Collapsed Railway Tunnel Picture of the vehicle located by rescuers. Authorities have located a vehicle in the collapsed railway tunnel. Rescue operations are ongoing, but efforts have been hindered by repeated landslides caused by loose soil and rocks from the surrounding mountains, forcing teams to shift to manual excavation. At 09:30, August 29, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum confirmed that a one-metre-thick layer of earth has been cleared, revealing the vehicle beneath, but the missing workers have not yet been found, LifeLocator radar detected signals indicating they are trapped about one metre below the vehicle. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Lucky Escape for Woman Driving Car Struck by Train at Railway Crossing in Samut Sakhon A woman driving an MG car was struck by a train at a railway crossing in Samut Sakhon, after she reportedly did not hear the train’s whistle. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336757-lucky-escape-for-woman-driving-car-struck-by-train-at-railway-crossing-in-samut-sakhon/

Picture from responders. A woman driving an MG car was struck by a train at a railway crossing in Samut Sakhon, after she reportedly did not hear the train’s whistle. The incident, which occurred at approximately 06:30 on August 29, left her car damaged but she escaped uninjured. The accident took place at a railway crossing on Duen Bang Road, near Somporn Garage, in Maha Chai, Mueang District. Police Lieutenant Suwit Moolsongkiet, Deputy Inspector (Investigation) at Mueang Samut Sakhon Police Station, was notified of the accident and promptly arrived at the scene. The MG car, registered in Bangkok, was found off the road, having plunged into nearby grass. The front left side of the car was damaged from the impact. The driver, identified as Ms. Daothana (surname withheld), 33, recounted that she was on her way to work and did not hear the train’s whistle as she approached the crossing. She said she was in the process of crossing the tracks when the train struck her car. Remarkably, she did not sustain any injuries, although she was understandably shaken by the incident. Upon investigation, police discovered that the railway crossing was equipped with a warning signal, but there were no barriers or staff to monitor the crossing, as it was an unauthorised crossing point. Authorities coordinated the removal of the car and will continue the investigation. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

High-Speed Rail Tunnel Collapse Incident: Update as of August 29, 06.00. The Disaster Command Centre provided an update on the ongoing search and rescue efforts for individuals trapped inside the collapsed high-speed rail tunnel. The key developments are as follows: 1. Breakthrough in Excavation Efforts. At 02:00, a Chinese worker informed a Thai engineer that they had successfully used a hydraulic hammer to drill through soil and rock at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The drilling operation penetrated through the rock and found a layer of concrete, which had been mixed with a fast-setting agent and had previously been sprayed on the tunnel's surface and into the collapse, to help stabilise the situation.The concrete layer was about 1 metre thick and located at a point where scanning equipment had detected potential life signals. 2.Coordination with USAR Teams.: Upon receiving this information, the engineer coordinated with the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to strategise the next steps for locating and rescuing the victims once the concrete layer was breached. 3. Structural Integrity The tunnel's ceiling and walls have been inspected, and no further signs of further collapse or structural deterioration have been detected. Current Status No survivors have been reached at the site of the incident as of this report. Search and rescue operations are ongoing. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Tourist Dies After Jumping from 7th Floor of Pattaya Hotel A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of August 29 when a 36-year-old man died after falling from the 7th floor of a hotel in central Pattaya. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336751-tourist-dies-after-jumping-from-7th-floor-of-pattaya-hotel/

Picture from the scene courtesy of Siamchon news A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of August 29 when a 36-year-old, believed to possibly be a New Zealand man, identified as Mr (name removed) died after jumping from the 7th floor of a hotel in central Pattaya. The incident took place at approximately 06:00, when Pol. Lt. Chanan Kesornbua of Pattaya City Police Station received a report of a foreign national falling from a height and dying on impact. The incident occurred at a hotel located in a beachfront alley, off Soi 8, in Pattaya, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. Pol. Lt. Kesornbua immediately informed his superior, Pol. Col. Navin Teerawit, Chief of Pattaya City Police Station, and coordinated with Pattaya Tourist Police and Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found hotel staff and some guests gathered in shock. The victim's body was discovered entangled with air conditioning pipes and electrical wires at the back of a nearby building, having fallen from the balcony of his hotel room. The scene was described as horrific, with the man having died instantly from the fall. Witnesses, including hotel staff, reported that the victim appeared to be in a state resembling drug-induced hallucinations. He was heard frantically shouting "HELP ME!!!" in English, as staff attempted to communicate with and assist him. However, before they could intervene, the man tragically leaped from the balcony, plummeting to his death. Pol. Lt. Kesornbua conducted a detailed investigation at the scene, confirming no evidence of foul play. The hotel staff also provided a video clip showing the victim in a distressed state just moments before the incident, which will serve as evidence in the ongoing investigation. The victim's body has been transported to the Police General Hospital's Forensic Institute for an autopsy. If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help. -- 2024-08-29 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe Apologies, ASEAN NOW is not currently accepting comments on this topic //CLOSED//