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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/

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