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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.

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