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UPDATE Phuket Governor Announces End to Search Efforts After Landslide, 13 Dead and 19 Injured August 25 at 09.00, Phuket Governor Sopon Suwannarat has officially declared the end of search and rescue efforts following a deadly landslide in Kata Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District. Authorities have recovered the bodies of all missing persons, bringing the total death toll to 13, with 19 others injured. The landslide affected 209 households across three subdistricts and nine villages. During a meeting on August 25, Governor Sopon confirmed that search teams, including the K9 National Rescue Unit, had located all the missing bodies. The deceased include five men and eight women: two Thai women from Surat Thani and Sakon Nakhon provinces, two Russian nationals (a married couple), and nine Burmese migrant workers (four men and five women). Governor Sopon emphasised the importance of swift relief efforts for those affected by the disaster. He instructed local authorities to provide prompt assistance to all impacted households, including coordination with embassies and consulates for foreign nationals involved. For the Burmese workers, he has tasked the provincial labour department with verifying their employment status and coordinating with their employers to ensure appropriate support is given. The Office of Insurance Commission has also been asked to investigate potential insurance claims for the affected individuals and expedite any relief measures possible. Efforts are now focused on clearing the area, with a coordinated response from all sectors aiming to restore normalcy within the next one to two days. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

The 5 Chinese victims were earlier reported to be from Hong Kong, but the Hong Kong Immigration Department says it has confirmed that no resident was involved in the plane crash which killed five ethnic Chinese passengers. The Special Administrative Region’s authorities also added that no request for assistance had been received, so far, from the Thai government.

The police said according to the Vehicles Act and Road Traffic Act of 1979, a suitcase is not considered a vehicle and therefore cannot be registered as one and legally used on public roads. Using a non-vehicle on a public road is also considered “blocking the traffic”, in violation of the Road Traffic Act, police also said. The traffic police said investigations revealed that the woman in the video was a Chinese tourist who has already left the country.

Woman Rides Electric Suitcase While Using Phone on Busy Bangkok Road A video showing a woman riding an electric suitcase while simultaneously dragging a large piece of luggage and using her mobile phone on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Don Mueang Airport, goes viral. (Video in story) Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336401-woman-rides-electric-suitcase-while-using-phone-on-busy-bangkok-road/

A video posted on the social media platform X sparked outrage and concern over road safety. The video shows a woman riding an electric suitcase while simultaneously dragging a large piece of luggage and using her mobile phone on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. The video quickly went viral, with many social media users expressing disbelief and criticising the woman’s actions. Comments ranged from shock to sarcastic remarks, below. "What? Things you never thought you'd see! What made her think riding an electric suitcase on the road would be safe?" "She's too chill. It’s like she's mad at her husband for not driving her to Don Mueang." "If she gets hit by a car, would the driver be at fault?" "Riding and using her phone at the same time... just wow." "So relaxed, playing on her phone like it's no big deal." The incident has drawn attention to the growing trend of using unconventional personal transport devices in unsafe environments, sparking debate over safety regulations on the roads. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe RPReplay_Final1724489089.mp4

Lone Gunman Strikes Again at Thung Song Mall's Gold Shop, Identical to the Previous Attack In a repeat of a previous crime, a lone gunman robbed a gold shop at a Thung Song mall for the second time, mimicking almost every detail of the initial attack. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336400-lone-gunman-strikes-again-at-thung-song-malls-gold-shop-identical-to-the-previous-attack/

Picture courtesy of Thairath. In a repeat of a previous crime, a lone gunman robbed a gold shop at a Thung Song mall for the second time, mimicking almost every detail of the initial attack. The suspect shot at the gold display cases, planted a fake bomb, and made off with a quantity of gold. Authorities believe it may be the same person who carried out the first robbery. On the evening of August 24, reporters stated that the robbery occurred at the Yaowarat Gold Shop inside the Lotus Mall in Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The assailant, a man dressed entirely in black, with his face obscured by a hood, carried a backpack worn in front of his body. He entered the gold shop alone and fired at the gold display cases, causing panic among the shop employees and customers, who fled in terror as the mall was nearing its closing time. The suspect managed to steal a quantity of gold jewelry before fleeing. A mall security guard attempted to pursue him and even recorded a video (see below), but the suspect, who was armed, escaped. The assailant also left behind a suspicious object resembling a bomb, which prompted authorities to cordon off the area. Upon inspection, it was determined to be a fake explosive. During the investigation, police discovered traces of blood at the scene, believed to have been left by the suspect, possibly cut by glass while grabbing the gold jewelry. The blood samples were collected for DNA analysis. Officials also noted that the suspect used the same escape route as during a previous gold shop robbery in March 2023, during which over 40 baht of gold was stolen. The suspect was never apprehended. The recent incident mirrors the earlier crime in almost every detail, including the timing of the attack, near the mall's closing when foot traffic is low, and the suspect’s appearance and method of escape. Authorities are currently tracing the suspect’s escape route as the investigation. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe RPReplay_Final1724538070.mp4

Fire at a Warehouse in Ban Tha Phra Nao, Khon Kaen Province A fire occurred at a warehouse used to store fabric scraps for making doormats on Saturday, August 24 in Khon Kaen Province. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336399-fire-at-a-warehouse-in-ban-tha-phra-nao-khon-kaen-province/

Picture from responders. A fire occurred at a warehouse used to store fabric scraps for making doormats on Saturday, August 24, at 16:00, in Ban Tha Phra Nao, Moo 6, Tha Phra Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. The Governor of Khon Kaen, Mr. Kraisorn Kongchalard, personally supervised the situation and issued orders for the Khon Kaen Provincial Permanent Secretary, the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, and the Mayor of Tha Phra Subdistrict to take charge of controlling the situation and overseeing operations. Firefighting was made difficult by the large amount of closely bundled combustible material. The burning stacks had to be manually pulled apart to allow extinguishment and then allowing access further into the warehouse to other burning material. 19:15, a unit of 10 soldiers from the 23rd Military Circle, Srichanrin Camp, joined the operation to remove debris from the scene, working alongside Volunteer Defense Corps members. 19:50, two JCB backhoe loaders from Phra Lap Subdistrict Municipality and Tha Phra Subdistrict Administrative Organisation arrived to assist in the removal of fabric scraps and other flammable materials. 20:30, the fire was fully extinguished, and no smoke was visible. Firefighters sprayed water to prevent any potential flare-ups. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Bitcoin Mining Operation Busted in Ratchaburi for Illegally Draining Community Power Supply Authorities have raided an illegal Bitcoin mining operation hidden in the heart of Ratchaburi City after it was discovered that the operation was siphoning electricity, causing power shortages in the local community. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336398-bitcoin-mining-operation-busted-in-ratchaburi-for-illegally-draining-community-power-supply/

File picture for reference only. Authorities have raided an illegal Bitcoin mining operation hidden in the heart of Ratchaburi City after it was discovered that the operation was siphoning electricity, causing power shortages in the local community. More than 900 Bitcoin mining machines were found on-site, though some had been removed prior to the raid. The operation was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Chumpol Sukphakdee of the Ratchaburi City Police, along with District Security Chief Jamnong Chanwong, District Officer Yosapon Chaibunlawat, and officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority. Acting on a warrant issued by the Ratchaburi Court, the team searched a house in Moo 6, Don Tako Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ratchaburi. The investigation was launched after residents reported frequent power outages and damage to their household appliances. Upon further inspection by electricity officials, it was suspected that someone had been illegally drawing electricity, leading to an insufficient power supply for the community. Authorities identified a house functioning as a factory, but initial attempts to communicate with those inside were unsuccessful. A local resident informed officials that the house might be operating as a Bitcoin mining farm. This led officials to request a search warrant. Upon entering the premises, which was secured with a heavy lock, officers found a large amount of equipment, including over 900 Bitcoin mining machines. However, it was noted that some machines had already been removed, corresponding with reports from residents who observed several men and vehicles removing items from the property at around 03:00 earlier that day. It is believed that the owner of the mining operation had begun to relocate the equipment before the raid. Further investigations are ongoing as authorities work to trace the individuals responsible for the illegal activity. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Domestic Tourist Found Dead in Mae Tha District, Lamphun Province Lamphun, a male tourist who it is believed slipped and fell, is found dead, while hiking from Khun Tan Railway Station towards Khun Tan National Park. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336397-domestic-tourist-found-dead-in-mae-tha-district-lamphun-province/

Picture from responders. August 24, Lamphun Governor Santithorn Yimlamai reported a tragic accident in Mae Tha District. At 08:25 authorities were alerted to the death of a male tourist who it is believed, had slipped and fallen while hiking from Khun Tan Railway Station towards Khun Tan National Park. The incident occurred around 500 metres from the railway station. Railway officials provided immediate assistance, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim has been identified as Mr. Rojchit Phesakulchaikit, 46, from Samut Prakan Province. Rescue teams from Khun Tan National Park, together with local authorities, transported the body to Mae Tha Hospital for further examination to determine the cause of death. Governor Santithorn expressed concern over the recent weather conditions in northern Thailand, which has experienced continuous rainfall, leading to an increased risk of landslides. He urged tourists to follow the guidance of officials strictly, especially in areas that are more prone to such dangers. The governor also issued a reminder for trail runners and nature explorers to be particularly cautious. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Pickup Drives Into Canal Claims 3 Lives in Uttaradit Province Local authorities were alerted by residents about a vehicle that had driven off the road and into a canal, being completely submerged in Uttaradit Province, Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336396-car-drives-into-canal-claims-3-lives-in-uttaradit-province/

Picture from responders. August 24, at approximately 13:15, local authorities were alerted by residents about a vehicle that had driven off the road and into a canal near Wat Doi Kaew, Moo 15, Ngiew Ngam Subdistrict, Uttaradit Province. Upon investigation, a blue Toyota Mighty X pickup truck, license plate Uttaradit, was found completely submerged in the canal. Rescuers were unable to gain access into the vehicle and used ropes to drag and tow the vehicle from the water, where they discovered the 3 victims inside. The victims have been identified as: 1. Mr. Boonjet, resident of Nam Rit Subdistrict, the owner and driver of the vehicle. 2. Mr. Manat, resident of Nam Rit Subdistrict. 3. Mr. Wirat, resident of Nam Rit Subdistrict. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Man on Drugs Sets His Own House on Fire After Attempting Suicide in Buriram Buriram province, reports of a house fire in the village of Nong Waeng, started by owner’s son, who was high on drugs and had also just failed at a suicide, hanging attempt. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336394-man-on-drugs-sets-his-own-house-on-fire-after-attempting-suicide-in-buriram/

Picture of the house involved. On August 24, at approximately 08:30, local police in Na Pho district, Buriram province, received a report of a house fire in the village of Nong Waeng, Don Kok subdistrict. Police officers, led by Pol. Lt. Prida Charoenrat, coordinated with the local fire department to extinguish the flames. Upon arrival, firefighters and neighbours were able to control the fire, which was mostly confined to the second floor of the house. The person responsible for starting the fire was identified as Mr. Prawit, also known as "Kob" (surname withheld), a 31-year-old man and the son of the homeowner. He was taken in for questioning. Mr. Prawit confessed that he set the fire due to frustration over several issues, particularly being annoyed with his father for waking him up every morning. The father, Mr. Buala (surname withheld), 58, recounted that he was sleeping on the ground floor while his son was on the second floor. Around 08:30 he called out to his son to come down for breakfast, but received no response. He then yelled, "Why do I always have to wake up before you?" Shortly after, he heard a loud "thud" upstairs but did not pay much attention until neighbours alerted him to the fire. They quickly gathered to put it out before calling the fire department. Upon further inspection, it appeared that his son had attempted to hang himself but the rope broke, leading him to set the house on fire instead. Mr. Buala revealed that his son had a history of drug addiction and had previously been jailed for damaging a neighbour's car. Despite several attempts at rehabilitation, his son continued to abuse methamphetamine. Mr. Buala expressed his frustration, stating that his son's mental health had deteriorated because of the drug use and that he had even physically attacked him in the past. Unable to cope any longer, Mr. Buala declared that he planned to remove his son from the household registration and send him away, as he feared what might happen next. A neighbour , Mrs. Kanung (surname withheld), 48, corroborated the story, saying she heard Mr. Buala repeatedly calling out to his son before hearing a loud noise and soon after noticing smoke. She believes that Mr. Prawit's hallucinations from drug use led to the incident, adding that he had become so addicted to methamphetamine that he resorted to digging up insects to sell for 70-80 baht per day, using the money or even bartering the insects to obtain drugs. As for the legal proceedings, police have taken Mr. Prawit into custody for further questioning at the Na Pho Police Station. Charges have not yet been filed, pending an investigation and the decision of the homeowner on how to proceed. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Visits Flood-Affected Nan Province, Distributes Aid by Boat On August 24, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, along with several Members of Parliament, including former Public Health Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, visited Nan Province to provide morale and aid to those affected by severe flooding Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336393-prime-minister-paetongtarn-visits-flood-affected-nan-province-distributes-aid-by-boat/

On August 24, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party, along with several Members of Parliament, including former Public Health Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, visited Nan Province to provide morale and aid to those affected by severe flooding. The group’s first stop was at the Nan Municipality, where they met with Mayor Surapol Thiansut and assisted in the distribution of food from a makeshift kitchen set up to help flood victims. The kitchen also served as a donation point for rice and dried food, while the Nan Provincial Public Health Office distributed medical supplies, including medications to prevent leptospirosis. Prime Minister Paetongtarn personally helped cook eggs and prepare meals for the flood-affected residents. Afterward, she traveled to the Ban Nong Tao Community Hall in Phu Phiang District and Ban Kong Kwai in Mueang Nan District to distribute survival kits, offering encouragement to the local population. She was warmly received by large crowds at each location. The Prime Minister and her team even boarded a flat-bottomed boat at Ban Tha Li to visit those still stranded in flood-hit areas. In an interview during her visit, Paetongtarn commented on the severity of the flood, noting that many areas were still inundated and without electricity. As the leader of Pheu Thai, she reassured the affected communities that her party’s MPs would continue to distribute food and water. Despite the hardships, she was touched by the resilience of the residents, who greeted her with smiles and waves. She expressed her intention to return more frequently once she fully assumes her duties as Prime Minister. Paetongtarn also addressed concerns about her inability to visit Phrae Province due to travel complications caused by airport issues and changing weather conditions. Although she wanted to go, MPs from the area were dispatched to manage the situation. When asked about her concerns over the potential for worsening floods, Paetongtarn noted that in many areas, including Nan, the situation was improving as water levels began to recede. However, she emphasized that maintaining morale was critical. She also mentioned that central Thailand was preparing for potential flood risks and that MPs would be closely monitoring the situation. Despite improvements, she acknowledged that several areas across the north and south, including Phuket, remained of concern. -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

1 Dead & Multiple Cases of Alcohol Poisoning Found in Min Buri District One person is dead and one in a coma, amongst manyl cases of poisoning that have been linked to the consumption of illegal alcohol in Bangkok’s Min Buri district. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336392-1-dead-multiple-cases-of-alcohol-poisoning-found-in-min-buri-district/

File picture for reference only. One person is dead and one in a coma, amongst manyl cases of poisoning that have been linked to the consumption of illegal alcohol in Bangkok’s Min Buri district. The police have ordered the closure of shops selling *ya dong* (traditional herbal liquor). Health authorities are urging consumers to monitor their symptoms and seek immediate medical attention, as the poisoning is life-threatening. On August 24, a press conference was held by the Department of Medical Services, Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, the Metropolitan Police Division 3, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. It was revealed that in addition to the 1 death, 19 cases of acute methanol poisoning had been reported between August 22 and August 24. The affected individuals had purchased illegal liquor (*ya dong*) from several vendors along Hathairat Road, Samwa Road, and Charoen Pattana Road, within the Min Buri and Khlong Sam Wa districts of Bangkok. Authorities are urging anyone who may have consumed *ya dong* in these areas to remain vigilant for symptoms and to seek treatment at a nearby hospital immediately. All suspect vendors have since been shut down, and police, alongside the Excise Department, are conducting further investigations into illegal liquor sales. The consumption of "ya dong" and other forms of illegal alcohol often carries the risk of methanol poisoning. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a toxic substance primarily used in industrial processes. Due to its lower cost compared to ethanol, it is sometimes illegally mixed into alcoholic beverages to cut production costs. This practice is commonly found in counterfeit spirits and poorly produced *ya dong* or white spirits that do not meet safety standards. Methanol poisoning generally occurs from drinking contaminated alcohol. As little as 100 mg/kg can cause toxicity, while consuming 60 ml of 40% methanol can be fatal. Methanol is rapidly absorbed into the body within an hour, with around 95% processed by the liver. Its toxicity results from the accumulation of formic acid, leading to metabolic acidosis (blood acidity) and ocular toxicity (damage to the eyes). -- 2024-08-25 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

To continue: Thailand Live Sunday 25 August 2024 https://aseannow.com/topic/1336391-thailand-live-sunday-25-august-2024/

14-Year-Old Boy Shoots & Kills 16-Year-Old in Lopburi Over Jealousy Lopburi province, a 14-year-old boy fatally shot a 16-year-old senior after becoming enraged over the victim's flirtatious chats with his girlfriend. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336377-14-year-old-boy-shoots-kills-16-year-old-in-lopburi-over-jealousy-then-surrenders/

14-Year-Old Boy Shoots & Kills 16-Year-Old in Lopburi Over Jealousy Lopburi province, a 14-year-old boy fatally shot a 16-year-old senior after becoming enraged over the victim's flirtatious chats with his girlfriend. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336377-14-year-old-boy-shoots-kills-16-year-old-in-lopburi-over-jealousy-then-surrenders/

Picture courtesy of Thairath. Lopburi province, a 14-year-old boy fatally shot a 16-year-old senior after becoming enraged over the victim's flirtatious chats with his girlfriend. The suspect used his girlfriend to drive the motorcycle while he sat behind, hunting down the victim. Upon finding him, the suspect shot him dead in the street before contacting the police to surrender. On August 23, at approximately 19:05, Pol. Lt. Chayan Si Kieng, an investigator with the Sa Bot Police Station in Lopburi, received a report of a shooting that resulted in one fatality at the Nong Krathum intersection, Moo 10, Maha Phot Subdistrict, Sa Bot District, Lopburi. Authorities quickly arrived at the scene, including local investigators, forensic officers, and medical personnel. At the scene, a crowd of locals had gathered along the roadside where they found the body of Supakit Nuipeang, 16, lying face up in a pool of blood. He had been shot beneath the left breast, with the bullet exiting through the right side. Bullet casings were found on the road near the scene. According to “Kew” (name withheld), a friend of the victim who had been driving the motorcycle, the two were riding through the area on their way to buy food when two individuals on another motorcycle approached them. The passenger on the other motorcycle pulled out a gun and shot Supakit, who was sitting in the backseat, causing the bike to swerve. The shooter and his accomplice fled the scene into the darkness. Kew attempted to rush the wounded Supakit to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries before they could arrive. Shortly after the incident, the police were contacted by the family of the shooter, who expressed his desire to turn himself in. Investigators went to retrieve the suspect, a 14-year-old boy identified only as "C" (name withheld). The boy confessed to using a homemade .38-caliber gun to shoot Supakit. His girlfriend, who had been driving the motorcycle, was also involved. After the shooting, the boy returned home and hid the gun, which the police are currently searching for. The motive behind the killing was jealousy, as the victim had frequently been messaging the shooter's girlfriend on social media, sparking a deep resentment that led to the tragic confrontation. Police have taken both "C" and his girlfriend into custody for further questioning, while the victim’s body has been sent to the forensic department for a more detailed autopsy. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe