Georgealbert

Minister Orders Return of Aircraft After Malfunction During Flight Picture courtesy of Khaosod A tense moment unfolded mid-air today when an aircraft carrying Thailand's Minister of Defense, experienced a malfunction, just 15 minutes after takeoff, when the plane's air pressure system encountered a technical issue Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336505-minister-orders-return-of-aircraft-after-malfunction-during-flight/

Thanks, I did say earlier that the site’s accuracy is questionable, so it is good to have it confirmed as suspect, by someone with the knowledge to review it.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod A tense moment unfolded mid-air today, August 26, when an aircraft carrying Thailand's Minister of Defense, Sutin Klungsang, experienced a malfunction. The minister had been en route to Phrae province to oversee flood relief efforts when, just 15 minutes after takeoff, the plane's air pressure system encountered a technical issue. Despite the crew assuring that the problem could be resolved, Minister Sutin made the decision to return to Don Mueang Air Force Base for the safety and well-being of all passengers. Reports indicated that the cabin's pressure issues led to discomfort, causing ear pain and discomfort among the passengers. The aircraft involved was a RTAF ATR 72 designation B.L16. Minister Sutin was scheduled to inspect the situation on the ground, visit military personnel assisting with flood relief, and distribute essential supplies to flood victims in Phrae. However, following the incident, he canceled the mission and rescheduled his visit for August 28. In a statement, Minister Sutin emphasised that his concerns for safety prompted the decision to return. He expressed his regret over the cancellation but assured that the provincial governor and Third Army Region commander would continue relief efforts in his absence. Since the beginning of the flooding crisis in several provinces, Minister Sutin has ordered all branches of the military to assist the affected populations with evacuation, relocation, food provision, and post-flood recovery efforts. The military has been actively engaged in flood relief operations across the country. Minister Sutin also addressed concerns over increasing rainfall in northeastern Thailand, ordering military units in the area to remain on high alert and ready to provide assistance. Similar instructions were given for other regions as the military continues to play a key role in disaster response. When asked about the potential flooding in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, Minister Sutin urged the public to remain vigilant. He noted that water would inevitably flow through the capital as it makes its way to the Gulf of Thailand, urging citizens to stay informed and prepared for any developments. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Two Brothers Arrested for Illegal Liquor Production Linked to Methanol Poisoning Incident Authorities have detained two brothers connected to the production of illegal liquor after a methanol poisoning outbreak in the Khlong Sam Wa area led to multiple hospitalisations and deaths. Law enforcement is actively investigating the case, which has already claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others in critical condition. The brothers, identified as Surasak, 46, and Surachai, 44, were arrested on charges of producing alcohol without a license. Both were escorted by police from the Bang Chan Police Station to the Min Buri Criminal Court for detention on August 26. The suspects concealed their identities by wearing hats, sunglasses, and face masks, refusing to answer questions from the media regarding their involvement in the production of the illicit alcohol. The police seized several items at the scene, including four 200-liter drums, paddles for mixing, and numerous 20-liter containers. The confiscated materials are currently being analyzed by the Excise Department and the Department of Medical Sciences to determine the exact substances used in the production process. Initial reports suggest that methanol, a toxic substance, was illegally mixed into the liquor. The investigation uncovered that the brothers had legally purchased the chemicals from a registered supplier, though their intended use was for the production of illegal liquor. Authorities are now scrutinising the supply chain for further violations. Additionally, a woman known as "Jae Pu," who purchased the liquor from the two brothers, allegedly mixed her own formula before distributing the product to 18 herbal liquor stalls in the Khlong Sam Wa area. These stalls are believed to be responsible for the recent fatalities and severe illnesses. Law enforcement has already shut down all 18 stalls, and intense questioning of Jae Pu continues as police work to unravel the full extent of the operation. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Illegal "Ya Dong" Cluster Sees 1 More Death, 25 Hospitalised Authorities have reported an update on the cluster related to illegal "Ya Dong" liquor. One more person has died, bringing the total death toll to two, while 25 others are ill, of which 13 people are currently on ventilators, in a critical condition. The 25 patients have been categorised as follows: 13 in critical condition, 3 in serious condition and 9 with milder symptoms. Among these, 21 patients have blood acidity, 19 are experiencing breathing difficulties, 16 have kidney failure, 14 have blurred vision or blindness and 4 have seizures. All affected individuals are Thai residents from Min Buri, Nong Chok, and Khlong Sam Wa, and all have a history of consuming illegal liquor in these areas. Authorities are advising anyone who has consumed such liquor and is experiencing dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision to visit the nearest hospital for a check-up. Symptoms typically appear 24 to 48 hours after consumption. Normally, methanol levels in distilled liquor should not exceed 1,000 milligrams per liter. However, tests conducted at an illegal distillery in Soi Kanchana 25 found methanol concentrations as high as 100,000 milligrams per liter. The Excise Department has sent samples of the illegal liquor to the Department of Medical Services for further testing to confirm these findings. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

No, he was head of the investigation into the sinking. The commander of the ship resigned.

Latest information reports that despite signs of life being detected around 04:30 on August 26, further attempts to locate the workers proved unsuccessful. Efforts now include the deployment of K9 search dogs, along with scanning equipment, to aid in the search. Earlier video from today of the USAR team at the incident site. RPReplay_Final1724648558.mp4

I have seen it reported, but not officially yet, that authorities have now traced and raided an illegal herbal liquor factory suspected of producing the beverages linked to these incidents. The factory were allegedly reported to be using hand sanitiser alcohol commonly sold during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the manufacturing.

The cost of the machine makes it unsuitable for this type of project. It is not clear if this tunnel is just being dug out or being blasted with explosives, which is common in both tunnel construction and underground mining access. The tunnel from the pictures, seems to be using metal framing to support the walls and roof, with concrete, probably shotcrete over that. What is not clear, is if the missing workers were in an area which had the walls and roof secured, or were under unsupported ground (just soil which had been dug out). Working under unsupported ground is extremely risky. I would guess that this collapse was brought on by geological changes, build up of underground water, brought on by recent rains, and the tunnel planning/working was based on old survey data, without it being updated. The rescue plans, seems fairly standard, first locate where the missing are expected to be, try to establish communication with them, provide them with access to supply fresh air, food and water, then workout a way to extract them safely

UPDATE Former Convict Arrested for Setting Woman on Fire in Jealous Rage Picture courtesy of ThaiRath Police apprehended a man in connection with the brutal burning of a woman, identified as the wife of his younger brother. The suspect was arrested at the Southern Bus Terminal in Taling Chan, Bangkok, Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336351-jealous-husband-sets-woman-on-fire-leaves-her-in-critical-condition/?do=findComment&comment=19180274

UPDATE Former Convict Arrested for Setting Woman on Fire in Jealous Rage Picture courtesy of ThaiRath showing the suspect in police custody. Police, on 25 August, apprehended a man in connection with the brutal burning of a woman, identified as the wife of his younger brother. The suspect, referred to as Mr. Miu, age 27, was arrested at the Southern Bus Terminal in Taling Chan, Bangkok, following the incident, which took place on August 22 in the Bang Kae district. According to police reports, Mr. Miu, a recently released convict, had developed a romantic relationship with Ms. Nan, his brother's wife. When Mr. Miu suspected that she was distancing herself from him, he reportedly became enraged. On the day of the incident, he poured alcohol over her and set her on fire, causing severe burns to her body. Bystanders quickly intervened and rushed the victim to Siriraj Hospital, where she remains in critical condition in a sterile room under close medical supervision. The arrest was made after investigators from Phetkasem Police Station reviewed CCTV footage that showed Mr. Miu fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. He later confessed to the crime during police questioning, admitting to a past conviction for sexual offenses and stating that his relationship with Ms. Nan had led to the violent outburst. Authorities have charged Mr. Miu with attempted murder. The investigation will continue once Ms. Nan’s condition stabilises, and police can obtain her statement.

Ice Truck Crashes Into Canal to Avoid Hitting Girls on Motorcycle Nakhon Ratchasima, August 25, an ice delivery truck swerved into an irrigation canal after being cut off by two teenage girls riding a motorcycle. The driver feared running over the girls and acted quickly to avoid a potentially deadly collision. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336457-ice-truck-crashes-into-canal-to-avoid-hitting-girls-on-motorcycle/

Picture of the accident scene. Nakhon Ratchasima, August 25, an ice delivery truck swerved into an irrigation canal after being cut off by two teenage girls riding a motorcycle. The driver feared running over the girls and acted quickly to avoid a potentially deadly collision. At 13:40, Pol. Lt. Col. Kongpop Asanok, an investigator with Phimai Police Station, Nakhon Ratchasima, responded to a collision between a motorcycle and an ice truck. The accident occurred near Ban Noi Bridge, along the Phimai–Dong Yai Road by the canal in Nai Mueang Subdistrict. Rescue teams from Phansri Nakhon arrived at the scene to assist the injured. At the scene, officers found a blue Honda Wave motorcycle with Nakhon Ratchasima plates lying in the middle of the road. The two riders, both 17-year-old girls, sustained minor injuries with scrapes on their bodies. They were quickly transported to Phimai Hospital. The six-wheeler Isuzu ice truck, registered in Nakhon Ratchasima and owned by a local ice company, was found tipped over in the canal. The driver, 46-year-old Prayut (last name withheld), managed to escape the submerged vehicle by climbing through the left window. Prayut explained that he was on his regular ice delivery route through Phimai, heading toward Tha Luang Subdistrict, when a motorcycle suddenly emerged from a side alley on the left and attempted to cross to the right, aiming to reach the nearby bridge. The motorcycle appeared too abruptly for Prayut to stop in time, resulting in a collision. The motorcycle fell in the middle of the road, and Prayut, in an effort to avoid crushing the two girls, swerved his truck into the canal. Despite the danger, Prayut remained calm and was able to escape through the window on the left side of the truck. The truck was eventually recovered from the canal after more than an hour of efforts by local authorities. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Sleepwalking Man Falls from 5th Floor to His Death August 25, a machinist tragically fell to his death from the fifth floor of a building while sleepwalking, a habit he was known to have. The incident occurred in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336456-sleepwalking-man-falls-from-5th-floor-to-his-death/

Picture showing the damaged roof area, where the body was found. August 25, a machinist tragically fell to his death from the fifth floor of a building while sleepwalking, a habit he was known to have. The incident occurred in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok. The 25-year-old machinist (name withheld) was known to frequently sleepwalk, according to his relatives. On the night of the incident, he fell from the fifth floor of a five-story commercial building where he lived with two other residents. His lifeless body was found draped over a first floor roof below. The building lacked window guards, and the victim's bedroom on the fifth floor had an unsecured window and door. The incident took place in the jurisdiction of Phra Ratchawang Police Station. Police reported that the victim lived on the top floor, and one of his two co-residents, a relative, confirmed that the young man had a history of sleepwalking. The victim had been employed at the local machine shop for over two years. His employer shared with reporters that the young man often mentioned his sleepwalking episodes, including waking up in the bathroom on lower floors despite going to bed on the fifth floor.His employer described him as a cheerful, lively individual who was free of any significant stress or personal issues. However, his frequent sleepwalking had been a concern, and the employer had repeatedly advised him to be cautious. Tragically, this habit led to the fatal fall. A nearby drink vendor also recalled the victim as a friendly and outgoing person who was usually seen accompanied by a close friend. They often visited the vendor's stall together, and the victim had always appeared in good spirits. The vendor expressed shock at the sudden and unexpected accident, extending condolences to the deceased's family. The police have taken the victim's close friend in for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into the cause of death. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Picture showing the area where the tunnel roof has collapsed. Authorities are still trying to reach the three workers trapped inside the Khlong Phai railway tunnel, and some have reported hearing noises coming from the other side of the collapsed area. Mr. Ekarat Sriarayanpong, head of the Governor's Office of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided an update on the rescue operations. Specialists have been brought in to oversee the rescue, taking into consideration the unstable geological structure and the technical complexities of tunnel construction to prevent further incidents. Rescuers overnight were working to insert an air pipe to pump oxygen into the area where the workers are trapped, and they believe there is only 20 metres of earth left between them and the trapped workers. The team will then attempt to insert a rescue tube with a diameter of 1.20 metres to safely extract the workers, which is hoped to be completed by the morning of 26 August. -- 2024-08-26 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE August 25, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Surapong Piyachot, addressed the media following the Khlong Phai tunnel collapse, which left three workers missing. The initial reports from the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) indicate that the collapse occurred around 23:00 on August 24. The incident happened during the construction of the Khlong Phai tunnel, part of the 3-2 contract for the Muak Lek and Lam Takhong tunnels under the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 1 (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima). The roof of the tunnel collapsed, burying workers and construction vehicles, including a backhoe, near Klong Khananchit Station. The collapse site is approximately 2-3 kilometres from the tunnel's entrance. The three missing individuals have been identified as: 1. Hu Xiangmin, male, Chinese national (Supervisor) 2. Tong Xinlin, male, Chinese national (Backhoe Operator) 3. Unknown Burmese labourer (Truck Driver) Deputy Minister Surapong expressed his regret over the incident and concern for the missing workers. He has ordered the Department of Rail Transport and the SRT to investigate the cause of the collapse and to inspect the construction standards of all rail tunnels across the country. He emphasised that if any procedural violations are discovered, construction should be temporarily halted to ensure safety before resuming. The SRT is working closely with rescue teams and the construction contractor to remove the debris and search for the missing workers. Geotechnical experts and safety officers are currently on-site to determine the cause of the collapse, as the search continues, with no sign of the missing workers. The Department of Rail Transport has also instructed relevant agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, coordinate with legal authorities, and ensure that engineering, safety, and legal standards are met. Efforts are underway to assess the contractual obligations, insurance coverage, and compensation measures for the victims. The ministry aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure the highest safety standards in future tunnel construction projects across the country. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE Health Alert Issued After Fake Alcohol Consumption: Some Patients at Risk of Permanent Dialysis Need, 7 Confirmed Blind August 25, Health authorities have revealed the alarming symptoms of customers who consumed fake alcohol and traditional herbal liquor. Some patients have reported blurry vision and may require lifelong dialysis. Seven individuals have been confirmed blind, and officials are closely monitoring the situation. This follows reports of severe metabolic acidosis in patients who consumed alcohol adulterated with methanol. The contaminated alcohol was traced back to two stores located in the Hathairat and Khlong Sam Wa areas. The Khlong Sam Wa District Office issued a public warning, urging residents who consumed alcohol from local stores, herbal liquor shops, or stalls in areas along Hathairat, Sam Wa, and Charoen Phatthana roads, as well as the surrounding areas in Khlong Sam Wa and Min Buri districts, to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness, or vomiting. This cluster of methanol intoxication cases has resulted in multiple hospitalisations, with one death and others in critical condition at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital and nearby facilities. On August 25, Dr. Amporn Benjapolpitak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services at the Ministry of Public Health, confirmed that 21 patients had now been reported at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital as a result of methanol poisoning. The affected individuals are predominantly Thai males aged 30 to 45, with one exception, a 69-year-old man. Some patients have developed acute kidney failure and may require lifelong dialysis if their kidneys do not recover. Additionally, some have experienced blurry vision and reported seeing bright, scattered light. Seven patients have been confirmed blind, and ongoing monitoring is necessary to prevent further cases. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Short video from the tunnel, as the rescue is ongoing. RPReplay_Final1724569607.mp4

That flight tracking was from the site below. It will be based on transponder data, and the path does seem a little strange. I also posted the ADS-B data, earlier in this topic, from the same site, which stopped a couple of minutes before the crash. I have no way to verify how accurate this data is, but it is the best publicly available online, but I assume that investigators have access to far better information, and also data maybe downloadable from the data recorder found in the wreckage. That data recorder is not a black box, has limited flight parameters recorded, and is not designed to survive this type of accident, so may be useless. https://www.radarbox.com/data/flights/N208AE/2213074691

The 3 persons reported missing are ; 1. Mr. Hu Siang Min, male, Chinese nationality (supervisor); 2. Mr. Dong Chin Lin, male, Chinese nationality, backhoe driver; 3. Unknown Burmese worker, truck driver. Mr. Pasan Sawatburi, Senior Vice President of the construction company, said that the company has not yet received a report of the exact cause and is currently conducting an inspection of the area. The tunnel work is under Contract 3-2, Muak Lek and Lam Takhong Tunnel, a distance of 12.23 kilometers. As of July 2024, the company has completed construction at 74% of the tunnel. Picture below shows the planned tunnel route.

Benz Loses Control, Crashes Into Van, Another Car Hits, 1 Dead, 2 Seriously Injured On August 25, a serious accident involving a Benz car and a van on the motorway heading towards Bangkok, resulted in multiple casualties. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336425-benz-loses-control-crashes-into-van-another-car-hits-1-dead-2-seriously-injured/

Picture from responders. On August 25, at around 05:00, Police Lieutenant Colonel Phudecha Chueman of the Highway Police Station in Khao Din, Chonburi, responded to a serious accident involving a Benz car and a van on the motorway at kilometer 65+900 heading towards Bangkok, in Don Huaro subdistrict, Mueang Chonburi District, Chonburi Province. The incident resulted in multiple casualties. At the scene, officers found a green Benz, license plate Chonburi, overturned with its wheels facing up. The driver, identified as Mr. Naphoo (surname withheld), 38, sustained injuries and had already been rushed to a nearby hospital. Close by, a heavily damaged bronze Toyota sedan with license plate Bangkok was found. The driver, Mr. Nopachai (surname withheld), 41, was also injured and taken to the hospital earlier. Tragically, Mr. Shintaro, 50, a Japanese national and owner of an industrial factory in Rayong, was found dead in the backseat of the Toyota sedan. Additionally, a black van, license plate Bangkok, was found damaged at the rear, but no injuries were reported among its passengers . According to the van’s driver, Mr. Wanchalerm (surname withheld), 30, he was driving his family back from Bang Saen Beach, traveling in the left lane towards Bangkok, when the Benz suddenly crashed into the back of his van, lost control, and hit a barrier before overturning. Shortly afterward, the Toyota sedan collided with the wrecked Benz. Authorities are now gathering further evidence, including interviewing witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage, to proceed with the legal investigation. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Landslide Buries Workers Inside High-Speed Rail Tunnel Construction in Nakhon Ratchasima August 25, at approximately 01.00, a landslide buried three vehicles and trapped workers inside a tunnel being constructed for the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project in Nakhon Ratchasima. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336423-landslide-buries-workers-inside-high-speed-rail-tunnel-construction-in-nakhon-ratchasima/

Picture from responders at the tunnel entrance August 25, at approximately 01.00, a landslide buried three vehicles and trapped workers inside a tunnel being constructed for the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project in Chanut Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The incident occurred while workers were excavating the tunnel, located between 600 metres and 2 Km deep into the tunnel, despite no rainfall at the time. According to witnesses, workers were operating backhoes and loaders when the mountainside suddenly gave way, causing a massive landslide that engulfed three vehicles, including a supervisor's car. The unexpected collapse sent a deafening noise through the site, leaving two workers and a supervisor trapped inside the tunnel. Rescue teams from the Sawang Metta Foundation and construction site staff are working to clear the entrance and the tunnel to reach those trapped. It is believed that 2 workers and a supervisor are trapped inside the tunnel. Earlier this morning the rescue mission was temporarily suspended, because when the backhoe was Being used to remove the soil it just continued to collapse and the rescue is likely to take most of today. Pak Chong District Chief Kanatchanont Sricharoen, Chanut Subdistrict Mayor Sompong Rodtun, and local police have arrived at the scene near the Chanthuek Railway Station but are awaiting senior construction officials to proceed with further inspections and review the rescue plan. The Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, which began construction in 2017, aims to connect Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima by 2026. The project is a key part of Thailand’s efforts to boost its economy and strengthen trade links with Mekong region countries, positioning the nation as a hub for rapid transportation in Indochina. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe Picture of the rescue scene.