Georgealbert

Picture courtesy of Chinese news media. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has sent a fleet of fighters to Thailand as part of the ongoing Exercise Falcon Strike 2024. In a display of military cooperation, the PLAAF’s J-10C fighters are squaring off against the Royal Thai Air Force’s Saab Gripen fighters in simulated air combat scenarios. The exercise, which commenced on August 18 and will run through to August 29, marks the seventh iteration of Falcon Strike between the two nations. The PLAAF deployment, which began on August 14, includes advanced J-10C fighters, two-seat J-10AS variants, JH-7A attack aircraft, and a Xian Y-20 strategic transport aircraft. Falcon Strike 2024 is aimed at enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the Chinese and Thai air forces. The timing of the exercise aligns with a diplomatic visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Thailand, following his official trip to Myanmar. The Royal Thai Air Force’s Saab Gripen jets are serving as the "red force" in the exercise, providing a formidable challenge to their Chinese counterparts. -- 2024-08-28 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pickup Truck Collides with House in Loei, 10 Students Injured A pickup truck transporting students suffers brake failure and crashes into a house in Loei, 10 passengers are injured. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336645-pickup-truck-collides-with-house-in-loei-10-students-injured /

Picture from responders. Loei 911 Rescue Association, on August 27 at 16.55, reported an accident involving a pickup truck transporting students that had collided and crashed into a house. The incident occurred in front of Chiang Khan Kindergarten (Pathummasongkhro) in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, within the jurisdiction of the Chiang Khan Police Station. The red pickup truck, with license plate Loei, crashed into a residential property at No. 69, Chiang Khan Subdistrict, Chiang Khan District. The accident resulted in 10 injuries to the student passengers, the ages were not released. The injured individuals received initial first aid on-site and were subsequently transported to Chiang Khan Hospital. The incident is under investigation, but the driver told police that the pickup suffered brake failure and he lost control and could not avoid the accident. -- 2024-08-28 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Fire Breaks Out at Bakery Warehouse in Ratchaburi A fire at a bakery and warehouse in Ratchaburi causes over 10 millions baht of damage and leaves the building unsafe and needing to be demolished. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336644-fire-breaks-out-at-bakery-warehouse-in-ratchaburi/

Picture from responders. At approximately 16:05, on August 27, the Ratchaburi’s Emergency Response Centre (191) received a report of a fire at a bakery and warehouse located at 76/3, behind the Sansern Village, Moo 9, Don Tako Subdistrict, Mueang Ratchaburi District. The Ratchaburi Provincial Police immediately dispatched officers from Mueang Ratchaburi Police Station, including patrol officers from Don Tako, along with emergency services such as the Rajanusorn Foundation, municipal firefighters, and units from Don Tako, Hinkong, and Ban Rai. The fire, which was in a cement construction warehouse, storing goods such as vegetable oil, flour, cream, boxes and bags for snacks, glasses and foam. Inside the warehouse, there were raw materials and materials that were combustible, causing the fire to spread quickly. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control in about 3 hours, though thick white smoke continued to rise from the site for another hour. Water trucks and hose-lines were used to extinguish the flames externally, due to safety concerns after large cracks were formed in the walls of the warehouse and the roof of the structure collapsed. Authorities closely monitored the situation to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. No injuries were reported, and the fire is currently under investigation with the cause yet to be determined and the damaged estimated at 10 million baht. The provincial civil engineering department inspected the building structure after the fire and confirmed that it was unsafe and will be demolished. -- 2024-08-28 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

DDPM video of the rescue. RPReplay_Final1724760217.mp4

DDPM Teams Up with Army to Rescue Stranded Fisherman in Udon Thani Udon Thai, Huai Luang Dam Reservoir, a fisherman missing and stranded for over 48 hours has to be rescued by DDPM helicopter. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336641-ddpm-teams-up-with-army-to-rescue-stranded-fisherman-in-udon-thani/

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