Georgealbert

Picture courtesy of DDPM Udon Thai, Huai Luang Dam Reservoir,at approximately 08:50, on August 27 the Sawang Methatham Rescue Radio Centre, received a report from the coordination department of the Nong Wua So Police Station. The report was a request for assistance in the search and rescue mission for Mr. Tan Siharath, a local resident of Nam Phon Subdistrict, Nong Wua So District, Udon Thani Province. Mr. Siharath had gone fishing by boat when a sudden change in wind direction caused water hyacinths to block his path, preventing him from returning to shore. He had been stranded for 48 hours on the water and was unable to provide his exact location. In response, a rescue mission was launched. Initial efforts by Udon Thani Province included sending out two patrol boats to locate the stranded individual. However, they were unable to provide immediate assistance due to the dense water hyacinths obstructing the waterways. Consequently, the province requested support from the disaster relief helicopter stationed at Squadron 23, Udon Thani. the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) collaborated with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) to deploy a KA-32 helicopter for the rescue mission Using the helicopter’s hoist, air rescue personnel successfully extracted the dehydrated fisherman from the river and transported him to a nearby hospital. The rescue was completed at approximately 12:50, August 27. -- 2024-08-28 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Motorcycle Accident in Pattaya, Young Man Fatally Run Over by Water Truck A fatal accident at 20.00 on August 27, involving a motorcycle and a water truck in Soi Phothisan, Bang Lamung District, left one man dead at the scene. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336640-motorcycle-accident-in-pattaya-young-man-fatally-run-over-by-water-truck/

Picture from responders. Pol. Lt. Col. Phitak Noensaeng, an investigator at Pattaya City Police Station in Chonburi Province, received a report of a fatal accident at 20.00 on August 27, involving a motorcycle and a truck in Soi Phothisan, Naklua Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. Rescue teams from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a blue Honda Wave 125 motorcycle, license plate Chonburi, overturned on the road. Nearby lay the body of a 22-year-old man, in a pool of blood. He had tragically died after being run over by a water truck, resulting in severe head injuries. Rescue workers covered his body with a white sheet. Approximately 100 metres away from the scene, officers found the white Isuzu water truck, Chonburi, parked and abandoned. The truck was marked and had the name of the private transportation operator. The driver had fled the scene before authorities arrived. According to Ms. Duangduen, 48, an eyewitness, the victim had attempted to overtake her motorcycle by passing on the left side, intending to overtake the water truck. Unfortunately, he lost control of his motorcycle, causing it to skid. The rear wheel of the water truck then ran over his head, resulting in instant death. The horrific accident shocked those who witnessed it, prompting them to quickly notify the authorities. Pol. Lt. Col. Phitak Noensaeng documented the scene and reviewed nearby CCTV footage, which partially captured the incident. The body of the deceased was transported to Bang Lamung Hospital by rescue workers. Authorities are now working to locate and apprehend the truck driver to face legal proceedings. -- 2024-08-28 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Army Investigates Big Buddha Construction for Blocking Natural Waterways The Fourth Army Region's task force on state land encroachment has raised concerns about the construction of the Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill in Phuket, following a deadly landslide. The task force, led by Colonel Dusit Kaesornkaew, found that the construction had obstructed natural water channels, which played a key role in the recent landslide that claimed lives and damaged property. The Big Buddha site, located 375 metres above sea level on Nakkerd Hill, has been under construction since 2005. Aerial photographs show significant land alteration to accommodate the monument and a large open area, but the work failed to incorporate proper water diversion techniques. Natural waterways typically exist on mountainous terrains, but during the construction, these channels were blocked, leaving water no path to flow naturally. During heavy rainfall, the water sought a new path down the hill, triggering a massive landslide on a slope with an 80-degree incline. The landslide area was covered by only a thin layer of soil and vegetation, making it highly vulnerable to collapse. Satellite imagery from February 2024 confirmed movement in the soil and rock layers months before the disaster. Brigadier General Anusorn Ourai, Deputy Commander of the Fourth Army Region, emphasised that this environmental destruction stems from unregulated construction on steep slopes, a recurring issue in the region. He stated that the task force is working to address such encroachments, particularly in areas like Samui, where similar issues have arisen. However, the tragedy in Phuket occurred before preventive measures could be implemented. The Fourth Army Region is now convening with relevant authorities to inspect other high-risk areas across the region to prevent further disasters. Legal action against those responsible for the encroachment and environmental damage will be pursued. Brigadier General Anusorn warned that Phuket and Samui share geographical characteristics, including steep slopes and rocky hills, which are increasingly being developed for villas and other structures. Many of these developments were either unauthorized or built in violation of safety standards, leading to significant natural changes. The Phuket incident highlights the severe consequences of encroachment on natural resources, including loss of life, damage to property, and harm to Thailand’s tourism image.

Phuket's Iconic "Big Buddha" Landmark Faces Calls For Demolition after Deadly Landslide In the wake of a tragic landslide that claimed 13 lives, Thailand’s Department of Forestry is considering the demolition of the famous "Big Buddha" on Nakkerd Hill, Phuket. The department cited that the landmark was constructed without proper environmental impact assessments (EIA) and lacked authorisation. The site, located in a national forest reserve, has been flagged for concerns due to its steep slope and proximity to a watershed. The landslide, which occurred on August 23, buried homes at the foot of Nakkerd Hill, leading to calls for stricter enforcement of construction laws in protected areas. Aerial footage from a helicopter on the day before the disaster shows the towering 45-metre statue overlooking the island. Known as a major tourist attraction, the Big Buddha stands on one of Phuket’s highest peaks, offering panoramic views of the island. The question now arises: How was this 45-metre statue, well known to tourists as a must-see attraction, allowed to be built on such precarious terrain in a national forest reserve? The site had been previously ordered to halt construction in 2022 due to the absence of an EIA. According to the Forestry Department, construction of the Big Buddha began as early as 2005 when only 15 rai of land was allocated to a local temple under a forest rehabilitation project. By 2023, however, the site expanded well beyond its authorized limits, and the Big Buddha became a key feature in promoting Phuket's tourism. Sompong Nuchananont, the head of the Krabi Forest Resources Office, said the department had already ordered a halt to the construction in 2022, citing the risky location on a 35% slope above a watershed area. The department is now preparing to conduct a thorough investigation of the entire area, including other unauthorised constructions around the hill. Phuket officials have expressed concern that more landslides could occur if construction in the area continues. The Royal Thai Police have been called in to assist in the investigation, and demolition orders may be issued pending the results. The controversy has raised deeper concerns over land use regulations and enforcement in protected areas. Environmental experts have highlighted the island's vulnerability to landslides, noting that the entire island of Phuket is under environmental protection laws prohibiting construction on slopes exceeding 35%. As investigations continue, the future of Phuket’s iconic Big Buddha hangs in the balance, with officials weighing the costs of public safety against preserving one of the island's most famous landmarks. -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has shared positive news—vital signs have been detected for all three workers trapped in the tunnel. The first worker is expected to be reached or rescued today, August 27, by approximately 16:00. Mr. Ekarat Sriarayanpong, Head of the Governor's Office at the State Railway of Thailand, provided an update on the rescue efforts for the trapped workers. He confirmed that life signs have now been detected from all three individuals. This progress follows continuous rescue operations by the SRT's rescue team, acting under the directives of Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Surapong Piyachote. Additionally, a specialised rescue team from Hunan Sunshine, China, known for their expertise in disaster recovery, has been brought in to assist. Thanks to their combined efforts, there is optimism that the first worker will be successfully reached or rescued by approximately 16.00 today. The missing workers are believed to be trapped in the vehicles under the collapsed earth. (My own personal opinion is that this is a strange statement, has so much potential to not happen, or I hope iit just implies that the new rescue team will be able to deploy by 16.00) SRT official statement below.

All thai road accident data and what is recorded, can be found on this site. https://www.thairsc.com/

Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Threatens Legal Action Against Construction Company Following Landslide at High-Speed Rail Tunnel Picture of ongoing rescue. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has vowed to take legal action against the construction company responsible for a landslide at the high-speed rail tunnel in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, after reports emerged that the company obstructed state officials from carrying out rescue operations. During his visit to Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University on August 27, Anutin commented on the ongoing situation in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. More than 48 hours have passed since the landslide, which trapped several workers inside the tunnel. Anutin revealed that the contractor had reportedly hindered government officials by withholding vital information, delaying the rescue efforts. "The most important priority is to save the lives of those trapped inside the tunnel," Anutin emphasized. "The company has no right to interfere, as the landslide is classified as a natural disaster. The government has full authority to intervene. I am traveling to Nakhon Ratchasima today to initiate legal proceedings against the company if the reports are accurate." Anutin expressed his frustration, declaring that the company’s arrogance in obstructing state operations is unacceptable. "Their actions are entirely inappropriate. State officials must not tolerate this and must take immediate legal action," he stated firmly. This ongoing incident has raised serious concerns about safety and corporate responsibility in the construction of major infrastructure projects across Thailand. -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Rescue efforts are still ongoing, but 3 workers remain missing in tunnel collapse Officials, early morning on August 27, stated that they have only detected possible life signs in the debris from one worker, and no signs from the other two missing workers. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336423-landslide-buries-workers-inside-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-in-nakhon-ratchasima/?do=findComment&comment=19183561

UPDATE Rescue efforts are still ongoing, but 3 workers remain missing. Picture of the rescue. Officials, early morning on August 27, stated that they have only detected possible life signs in the debris from one worker, and no signs from the other two missing workers. The rescue operation is continuing with workers battling the deteriorating conditions inside the tunnel, with further roof collapses of earth, unstable earth pile blocking the tunnel and a build up of dust and heat. Additional steel casing tubes with tracking equipment are being drilled into the tunnel to enhance air circulation and to try to locate the remaining workers. Rescuers remain hopeful but are aware that time is running out as they work to clear the soil and inject more air into the tunnel. Their focus is on finding the three missing workers and ensuring that they are given the best chance of survival. -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Foreigner in Motorbike Collision Severely Injures Local Food Vendor in Pattaya An accident involving a motorbike and a sidecar food vendor, results in injuries to two persons. The incident occurred on Soi Wat Boonkanjanaram, near the Nong Pong intersection in Nong Prue. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336570-foreigner-in-motorbike-collision-severely-injures-local-food-vendor-in-pattaya/

Picture from responders. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Centre, t approximately 03:20 on August 27, received a report of an accident involving a motorbike and a sidecar food vendor. The incident occurred on Soi Wat Boonkanjanaram, near the Nong Pong intersection in Nong Prue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Rescue personnel, accompanied by a medical team from Pattaya City Hospital, were dispatched to the scene immediately. Upon arrival, a severely damaged grey Honda PCX motorbike with the license plate from Chonburi was found in the middle of the road. The foreign rider, whose nationality has not yet been confirmed, suffered severe injuries, including a large laceration to the head. Rescue workers and medics provided first aid before rushing the individual to the hospital for urgent care. A short distance away, a sidecar motorbike used for selling ‘khao tom’ (rice soup) lay in ruins, with its contents scattered across the road. The driver of the sidecar, identified as Ms. Supaporn, aged 42, had already been transported to the hospital by rescue personnel. Mr. Buntham, 43, the husband of Ms. Supaporn, recounted the incident to the authorities. He had been following his wife's sidecar on his own motorbike as they made their way to Mae Lao Market. According to him, the foreign tourist was riding his motorbike at high speed, attempting to overtake a car but lost control and crossed into the opposite lane, crashing directly into his wife’s sidecar. The local police are now investigating the scene and will review CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact cause of the accident. -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

The death toll from methanol poisoning due to bootleg liquor in Bangkok's Khlong Sam Wa district has risen from 2 to 4. A total of 33 people have been affected, with 14 in the intensive care unit requiring ventilators; many also need kidney dialysis, and some face permanent blindness. Authorities have shut down 18 bootleg liquor stores that obtained their supplies from the same source, which is now under investigation. Three suspects who supplied bootleg liquor to the 18 vendors have been arrested and charged with manufacturing alcoholic beverages without the necessary permits. The investigation is ongoing to determine whether additional charges will be filed. Law enforcement has identified the source of the chemicals used in the production of the illicit liquor and is now investigating the chemical supplier.

No emergency response is not just an all out effort. A emergency response plan is initially made after gathering all the information available, known as ‘size up’. The person in charge of the response, will as part of that size up, will do a dynamic risk assessment, weighting up the benefits to risk, of what responders can initially achieve. Consideration is also then needed to what additional support, people and equipment will be needed. The first priority is always going to be the safety of the responders. The emergency response plan will always be under review, changing and developing as more information is gained and the initial results achieved by responders are assessed. Changes in the emergency response plan always has to be communicated to everyone. As more senior officials take over, all information has to be handed over, to allow a safe continuation of the incident response. This incident is a roof collapse in a tunnel, and a blind all rush in approach would probably have led to further falls or collapses of earth, thus endangering more people, and leading to more persons trapped or injured, thus making the incident worse. I, like you have no idea, who the people in the video are, so to call them ‘slackers’ is as best naive. They could be medical team standing by, mechanics standing by to service any break downs, geo tech engineers waiting to reassess the roof after material has been removed, relief teams, etc. so please try to look at reality before making assumptions.

Kanchanaburi Road Accident Kills Two A road accident occurred in Kanchanaburi Province, on August 26, when a pickup truck that the driver had lost control of, overturned, and crashed into a roadside tree. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336550-kanchanaburi-road-accident-kills-two/

Picture from responders. A road accident occurred in Koh Khao Village, Tha Muang District, Kanchanaburi Province, on August 26. Emergency services were alerted to a pickup truck that the driver had lost control of, overturned, and crashed into a roadside tree along Route 4 in Nong Takya Subdistrict. At the scene, responders found that the pickup had been ripped apart, with the cab having been detached from the vehicle and the engine thrown further into the roadside verge. There wer two male victims, one was severely injured, identified as Mr. Parinya, 50 years old. He suffered a broken left leg, neck pain, and various abrasions across his body. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was later pronounced dead at 16:50. The other victim, sadly found dead at the scene, was identified as Mr. Supat, 28 years old, the son of Mr. Parinya. This tragic event has shocked the local community, leaving a family shattered by the loss of a father and son. The cause of the accident is under investigation, the road was dry at the time of the accident and police stated that speed was probably a factor, considering the amount of damage. -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Fireworks Storage Explosion in Chiang Mai Local authorities were informed on August 26, in San Sai District, Chiang Mai, of a fireworks explosion in a residential home in the area. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336547-fireworks-storage-explosion-in-chiang-mai/

Picture from responders. Local authorities were informed on August 26, at approximately 14:30 by Prasit Wiriyah, the village headman of Moo 8, Pa Phai Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai, of a fireworks explosion in the area. Upon inspection by officials from the Pa Phai Subdistrict Municipality and fire & rescue personnel, the site of the explosion was found to be an unregistered house and a makeshift lightweight, storage shelter, both of which were severely damaged and everything destroyed. A nearby residence also sustained damage, fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as no-one was close to the building at the time of the explosion. Authorities are investigating the incident and trying to trace the owner of the property. They stated they were unaware of any firework storage before this explosion, and the premises was not licensed. -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Filipino Husband And Chinese Wife Fall From 23 Floor Balcony, Bang Na A tragic incident occurred when a married couple fell to their death from a condominium in the Bang Na area. The shocking scene was witnessed by a school bus driver, who discovered their bodies lying in the middle of the road. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336546-filipino-husband-and-chinese-wife-fall-from-23-floor-balconybang-na/

Picture from responders. A tragic incident occurred when a married couple fell to their death from a condominium in the Bang Na area, just six minutes after entering their room. The shocking scene was witnessed by a school bus driver, who discovered their bodies lying in the middle of the road. At 17:00 on August 26, Pol. Lt. Suthep Supho, investigator from Bang Na Police Station, received a report of two fatalities involving a husband and wife who had jumped from a building. The incident took place at a condominium in Bang Na Nuea Subdistrict, Bang Na District, Bangkok. Authorities, including Pol. Col. Surapong Sookyaem, superintendent of Bang Na Police Station, Pol. Lt. Attapong Saenjaiwut, deputy investigation officer, forensic officers, medical examiners from Chulalongkorn University, and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation, promptly arrived at the scene. The couple was found behind the G Building, a 25-story structure. Their bodies were discovered lying together on the ground, having fallen from the balcony of their room on the 23rd floor. Pairat Saengsichit, a condominium security officer, stated that he had been informed by a school van driver who was dropping off students when the driver came across the bodies at the back of the building. Upon inspection, he found the lifeless bodies of a man and a woman lying in the middle of the road and immediately alerted the police. Preliminary investigations revealed that the couple had entered their condo room together after returning from outside. CCTV footage captured the moment they entered the elevator, where the woman was seen using her mobile phone, which the man then took from her. Approximately 5-6 minutes later, they both fell from the balcony. Investigators speculate that the man may have seen something on the phone that angered him, leading to a heated argument after they entered the room. This likely resulted in the tragic event. Police are currently gathering evidence from their condo to further the investigation. According to Maj. Gen. Witawat Chinnakham, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 5, the deceased man has been identified as a Filipino national, 25, who worked as a language teacher at a school in the Udom Suk area. His wife has been identified as a Chinese national, 30. The couple's room showed signs of a struggle. CCTV footage from outside the building confirmed that they jumped together, although further investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause. Additional reports suggest that during the incident, the man may have pulled the woman over the balcony as she resisted, leading to the fatal fall. Both were language teachers at different schools. 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. -- 2024-08-27 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe Closed by Admin Apologies, ASEAN NOW is not currently accepting comments on this topic

Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Landslide Threats as Authorities Close In on Trapped Workers Rescue teams on the afternoon of August 26, believe there have located the exact position of three individuals trapped following a recent landslide, with just under 5 metres separating them from the missing workers. However, ongoing earth and rock falls, in the tunnel are complicating the rescue mission, making progress extremely difficult, slow and dangerous. Everyone is hoping for the successful, safe and swift recovery of all three trapped individuals.

UPDATE Foundation President Asserts Big Buddha at Khao Nakkerd Not Responsible for Phuket Landslide The President of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri Foundation, which oversees the Big Buddha at Khao Nakkerd, Phuket, firmly believes that the recent landslide was not caused by the construction at the temple. The president assured that all necessary construction permits were obtained from the Office of National Buddhism and the Department of Forestry, and emphasized that the structure of the statue can withstand earthquakes of up to 10 on the Richter scale. Meanwhile, local residents are urging authorities to conduct safety inspections around the mountain, fearing potential repeat incidents. The landslide recently struck the Patak 2 and 4 neighborhoods, as well as parts of Karon Subdistrict in Mueang District, causing widespread destruction. The disaster claimed 13 lives, injured 19 people, and affected 209 households across three subdistricts and nine villages. Some residents have speculated that the ongoing construction at the Big Buddha temple may have contributed to the landslide. On August 26, reporters visited the site of the Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, also known as the Big Buddha, which measures 25.45 metres in width and stands 45 metres tall. The massive statue, made of reinforced concrete and covered with white jade marble from Myanmar, weighs about 135 tons and covers an area of 2,500 square metres. Situated in the Buddhist Park atop Khao Nakkerd, the temple is a popular tourist destination offering panoramic views of Phuket. The site is built on a steep cliff, which has been reinforced with green netting and white barriers for safety. The surrounding area has been compacted with soil and topped with stones. While there has been some official inspection of the temple’s parking area, no official statements have been made regarding the disaster that occurred nearby. Wanitchakul, the foundation's president, explained that construction is ongoing beneath the statue, which had previously been used by monks for prayer and meditation. This area is currently closed for renovations, including the addition of marble. Another structure is also being dismantled, and a medium-sized Buddha statue will be relocated to a different site. Regarding concerns about the construction permits, Mr. Suphon confirmed that they were properly obtained. The original permits were valid for five years and renewed four times, totaling 20 years. The foundation is now seeking a 30-year permit. The project is being overseen by the Office of National Buddhism, which obtained permission from the Department of Forestry to use the land. While acknowledging residents’ concerns, Mr. Suphon insisted that the landslide was unlikely to have been caused by the temple's construction. He pointed out that the statue’s structure was designed to endure significant seismic activity. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the landslide. Local residents near Khao Nakkerd have expressed their fears, noting multiple signs of landslides in the area. Continuous water flow over rocks has raised concerns about the safety of those living beneath the mountain, especially as rainfall continues intermittently, saturating the ground. Residents are calling for a thorough assessment of the mountain’s safety to prevent future tragedies. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Latest on Nakhon Ratchasima Tunnel Rescue Operation Picture of the rescue pipe. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has provided an update on the ongoing rescue operation for individuals trapped in a railway tunnel in Pak Chong District. As of this afternoon the rescue teams and contractor personnel, have been actively removing debris from the tunnel using four dump trucks. Since the operation began yesterday, approximately 13 metres of the collapsed earth has been cleared. The teams are currently in the process of advancing a 1.20-metre rescue pipe into the area where it is believed that the trapped individuals are located. Non-essential personal, including the media are restricted from accessing the tunnel. Video from the site of the collapse, today. My Movie.mp4

UPDATE Big Buddha Temple in Phuket Operating Illegally, Says Karon Mayor The Big Buddha temple in Karon District is under scrutiny for operating without a construction permit, according to Karon Tambon Municipality Mayor, Jadet Witcharasorn. The temple, located in a forested area on elevated land, is in violation of the law as construction in this zone requires proper authorisation . Mayor Jadet revealed that the Karon Subdistrict Municipality had called for the removal or relocation of the temple since last year, yet no action has been taken. As a result, authorities filed a police complaint for violation of the Building Control Act last year, though the temple continues to operate. The controversy is further intensified by the temple’s location at the summit of the mountain, the site of a recent tragic landslide. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

The story ran from when it was first reported on Friday morning, and updated as the incident developed. https://aseannow.com/topic/1336269-heavy-rains-cause-landslides-in-phuket-1-dead/