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An expert in geotechnical engineering and foundations from Kasetsart University has raised concerns regarding the recent landslide in Phuket. The expert speculates that a large presence of granite rock may have contributed to the disaster. This landslide in Phuket is one of the most frequent types of landslides in Thailand, according to recent studies. The possibility that large-scale construction on the mountain's summit may have disrupted the natural water flow, causing erosion and creating several channels in the soil, has not been ruled out. On August 24, Associate Professor Sutthisak Sorlump, a geotechnical and foundation expert at Kasetsart University, suggested that the landslide in Phuket may have been caused by changes in mountain water channels or excessive construction activity near the base of the hill. He explained that Phuket's geology is characterized by significant amounts of granite, which is commonly associated with landslides in Thailand, as seen in areas such as Phanom Bencha Mountain in Krabi and Nopphitam Mountain in Nakhon Si Thammarat. These areas have experienced large masses of rock and soil falling, leading to high levels of destruction. Additionally, the expert noted that many areas in Phuket have seen extensive hillside construction, such as luxury homes and hotels. Phuket has environmental laws that restrict construction above 40 metres from mean sea level, and construction above 80 metres is prohibited altogether, in order to preserve the mountain's natural environment. The expert emphasized the importance of reconsidering these regulations, as even construction below 40 metres could be contributing to hillside instability. Detailed investigations are needed to confirm if the landslide was caused by disruptions at the base of the hill. Furthermore, the possibility of construction on the mountain summit contributing to the disaster has not been ruled out. The expert pointed out the presence of a large Buddha statue and road infrastructure on the hill, similar to areas like Patong or other highland locations. In such areas, water flowing down from the summit may cause erosion along the roads, eventually leading to landslides. This pattern has been seen before in places like Patong and Boklua in Nan Province, where landslides have occurred due to altered water drainage patterns. The expert highlighted that the situation must be carefully examined to determine whether the landslide was triggered by water flow from the summit or due to changes at the base of the hill. When asked if residents in the affected area should relocate, the expert referenced the situation in Boklua, where the entire village had to be relocated after a landslide. He stressed that, according to safety guidelines for construction, buildings should not be located near the base of hills. Countries like Hong Kong have clear regulations on where construction is allowed to reduce the risk of landslides. Similarly, Japan has strict laws regarding construction in slope-prone areas, with designated agencies responsible for ensuring safety. However, Thailand currently lacks such comprehensive safety regulations for hillside construction.

UPDATE Death Toll Rises to 13 in Karon, Phuket Landslide Incident Authorities have recovered three more bodies, bringing the total death toll from the incident to 13. All 13 reported missing have now been found, consisting of: 1. Two Russian nationals (1 male, 1 female) 2. Two Thai nationals (1 female from Sakon Nakhon, 1 female from Surat Thani) 3. Nine Myanmar nationals (4 males, 5 females) With the recovery of all the bodies, the search operation has been officially concluded. Authorities are now focusing on confirming the identities of the victims and finalising the details of the incident.

Identification of Air Crash Victims Progresses, ID of Four Bodies Confirmed On August 24, Police Lieutenant General Trirong Phiwphan, Commissioner of the Police Forensic Science Office, Royal Thai Police, provided an update on the progress of identifying the victims of the recent small aircraft crash in Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province. Authorities have successfully identified four victims so far, all of whom are Thai nationals, including the pilot, co-pilot, and two crew members. These identifications were confirmed through clear fingerprint records available in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) of the Police Forensic Science Office, using both hand and foot prints. The identification process is now considered almost 50% complete. In addition, the collection and examination of DNA from human remains sent to the forensic department at the Police General Hospital is ongoing. Results for the remaining victims are expected to be available by Monday. Officials are also in the process of coordinating with the relatives of the Chinese passengers on board to confirm their identities. Although authorities already possess the passenger and crew list, the task has been challenging due to the large number of body parts recovered, over 90 pieces in total. This requires thorough DNA testing and verification, a process that will take time. A further update on the identification progress is expected to be announced on Monday.

Video from the scene of the fire. My Movie.mp4

Fire Engulfs Two-Story Concrete Warehouse in On Nut Soi 65, Bangkok In the early hours of August 24, a fire broke out at a two-story concrete printing supply warehouse located at On Nut Soi 65, Soi 1, Prawet District, Bangkok. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336358-fire-engulfs-two-story-concrete-warehouse-in-on-nut-soi-65-bangkok/

Picture from responders. In the early hours of August 24, at 04:55, a fire broke out at a two-story concrete warehouse located at Eprint Co., Ltd., No. 3, On Nut Soi 65, Soi 1, Prawet District, Bangkok. The warehouse, which stores printing materials and plastics, caught fire on the ground floor, completely destroying the entire structure. The flames also spread to a number neighbouring houses, causing extensive damage. The affected area covers approximately 1,200 square metres. Firefighters from Prawet Fire and Rescue Station, with support from additional fire stations, including Phra Khanong, Sukhumvit, Chalerm Phra Kiat, and Hua Mak, had deployed a total of 12 fire engines to support the firefighting efforts and managed to bring the blaze under control using water hose-lines in approximately 2 hours. However, due to the extent of the destruction, the initial cause of the fire remains unknown, but fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported in the incident. This was the second factory fire in a Bangkok residential area, last night. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Search Operation for Missing Persons in Phuket Landslide Continues. This morning, August 24, rescue teams from the Kusoltham Phuket Foundation commenced search operations in Karon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phuket, following a devastating flood and landslide. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least 10 people and injured 19 others. Authorities now believe that three individuals are still missing and are working urgently to locate them. Rescue efforts are ongoing as the teams continue to search the affected area.

Rescuers Face Backlash After Assisting a Drunk Man Found in a Canal August 23, rescue workers in Samut Prakan faced unexpected hostility after assisting a drunk man who was found lying unconscious in a canal, only to be shouted at by him once he regained consciousness. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336356-rescue-workers-face-backlash-after-assisting-a-drunk-man-found-in-a-canal/

Pictures from responders. August 23, at 17:00, rescue workers in Samut Prakan faced unexpected hostility after assisting a drunk man who was found lying unconscious in a canal, only to be berated by him once he regained consciousness. Samut Prakan Emergency Radio Center received a report about a man lying unconscious in Ta Nhu Canal, near Sukhumvit Road in Bang Muang Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Samut Prakan Province. In response, they dispatched a rescue team from the Samut Prakan City Municipality to investigate. Upon arrival at the scene, the rescue workers found a man, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years old, lying in the drainage canal. The canal, which is about 3 metres wide and 5 metres from the road, is a public waterway. The man had a head injury and was lying with his head resting on the embankment while his body was submerged in the water, holding a bottle. As the rescue team and nearby locals attempted to assist the man, he suddenly woke up from what appeared to be a drunken stupor. Despite their efforts to help, the man became uncooperative and aggressive. After being lifted from the canal and treated for his head wound, the man verbally abused the rescue workers, shouting, "Mind your own business!" before walking away on his own. According to Ms. Sukanya, a rescue worker with Samut Prakan City Municipality, they had been informed of a man who had fallen into the canal with a head injury. Upon their arrival, they found him intoxicated and unable to get up. After helping him out of the water, they asked if he wanted to go to the hospital, but he refused to cooperate and declined medical assistance. When asked where he lived, he vaguely responded that his home was near the Naval Academy, but when asked for more details, he angrily replied, "Why do you care?" Ms. Sukanya noted that the man likely rolled into the canal accidentally, possibly due to his intoxicated state. Although he had a head injury, he seemed determined to handle the situation on his own and insisted on leaving without further help. Despite their attempts to assist him, the man asked to be left alone, so the rescue team escorted him to a nearby tile shop to clean up before he continued on his way. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

UPDATE CAAT Reports Routine Aircraft Inspections; No Irregularities Found in Recent Checks, Investigating the Cause of the Latest Accident The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has confirmed that routine aircraft inspections are conducted regularly, and no irregularities were found during the mid-year inspections of this aircraft. CAAT is now accelerating efforts to help investigate the cause of the accident. CAAT has contacted Thai Flying Service Co., Ltd. to discuss measures for caring for and compensating passengers after flight TFT209 was involved in the accident. Thai Flying Service is currently coordinating with insurance companies to finalise compensation arrangements. The company’s insurance policy, which covers passengers, pilots, baggage, and third parties, is valid until March 31, 2025, and covers the current incident. Thai Flying Service has additional aircraft available for operation and currently runs four daily flights between Bangkok and Koh Mai Si. The company is conducting thorough checks on both aircraft and pilots before resuming operations. Passengers affected by service disruptions are advised to contact their travel managers to arrange alternative transportation, such as traveling to Trat Airport and using shuttle services to their accommodations on the island. In its supervisory role, CAAT is responsible for issuing the Certification of Airworthiness (CoA) ensuring that the aircraft meets all safety standards. The aircraft involved in the accident received its CoA on February 4, 2023, valid until February 3, 2025. Thai Flying Service, as a passenger transport airline, must also have a robust safety management system in place. CAAT oversees this by inspecting the airline's safety system before issuing the Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The airline is also required to report maintenance records to CAAT every six months, with the most recent report submitted on June 17, 2024, which showed no abnormalities. Additionally, CAAT conducts regular audits, including Base Audits and Ramp Inspections. Thai Flying Service's latest Base Audit for 2024 took place between July 23-26, and the most recent Ramp Inspection was conducted on July 30, 2024. No issues were found with the aircraft during these inspections. CAAT has sent officers to observe the ongoing investigation into the accident. The investigation is under the control of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Committee (AAIIC), which will work to determine the cause of the accident. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

Speed The Factor in Fatal Car Accident in Samut Sakhon A fatal car accident occurred in Samet Sakhon, when a driver lost control and hit a lamp post. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336352-speed-the-factor-in-fatal-car-accident-in-samut-sakhon/

Picture from responders. August 24 at 06:25, a fatal car accident occurred on Setthakit 1 Road in the direction of Phetkasem Road, opposite Wat Khae Rai in Krathum Baen District, Samut Sakhon. The driver of a private car lost control of the vehicle and it crashed into an electric pole, resulting in the car being ripped apart and the driver being thrown from the vehicle. Responders found the driver dead at the scene, after suffering from multiple injuries, and beyond the help of medical services. Local authorities from Krathum Baen Police Station are handling the investigation and speed looks to have played a major role in this crash. No further details of the driver were released. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe Picture from responders showing the rear of the car approximately 50 m from the front part.

Jealous Husband Sets Woman on Fire, Leaves Her in Critical Condition In a shocking incident driven by jealousy, a man set a woman ablaze, leaving her severely injured. The incident occurred in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336351-jealous-husband-sets-woman-on-fire-leaves-her-in-critical-condition/

Picture Courtesy of Thairath. In a shocking incident driven by jealousy, a man set a woman ablaze, leaving her severely injured. The incident occurred in the Bang Khae district of Bangkok and has drawn widespread attention. Police were alerted on August 22 when a woman, identified as Ms. C, 20, was doused in gasoline and set on fire in front of a small alley. The victim, suffering from burns on 80% of her body, was rushed to Bang Phai Hospital and later transferred to Siriraj Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. The suspect, Mr. A , 26, is the older brother of the victim’s husband, Mr. B, 25, who had recently been released from prison after serving time for drug-related charges. According to initial reports, Mr. B and Ms. C had been married and living together in Chachoengsao with their 1-year-old son. However, Ms. C left the home after a disagreement and relocated to Bangkok. Mr. B requested Mr. A's help in finding his wife. Mr. A located her in a local bar, intoxicated, and brought her back to his home. In an unexpected turn, Mr. A and Ms. C engaged in a relationship. Four days before the incident, Mr. B returned to find his wife and brother together but reluctantly accepted the situation. They allegedly agreed to live together as a three-person household, with plans for Ms. C to divorce Mr. B and register the new arrangement. However, tensions arose when Mr. B tried to persuade Ms. C to return to Chachoengsao on the day of the attack, but she refused. Mr. A, visibly upset, asked his grandmother for 20 baht to refuel his motorcycle, left the house, and soon returned with a bottle filled with gasoline. Without warning, he doused Ms. C with the fuel and set her on fire in front of several onlookers. Bystanders quickly extinguished the flames and called for help, while Mr. A fled the scene on his motorcycle. Authorities are now searching for Mr. A, who is still at large. Meanwhile, Mr. B remains at the hospital, tending the critically injured woman. The police are continuing their investigation into the horrific act and are urging the suspect to surrender. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

In this fire the plastic barrels are the lesser risk. They will melt and the contents will run out and burn. The metal drums will heat up, build up pressure and explode as in the video above.

Video of the fire and one of the explosions that occurred. My Movie.mp4

Fire at Paint and Thinner Factory in Bangkok, Firefighters Struggle to Contain Blaze August 24, a fire broke out at a paint and thinner manufacturing factory in the Bang Kradi area, with firefighters rushing to the scene but initially struggled to bring the blaze under control. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336340-fire-at-paint-and-thinner-factory-in-bangkok-firefighters-struggle-to-contain-blaze/

Picture from responders. August 24, at 01:10, a fire broke out at a paint and thinner manufacturing factory in the Bang Kradi area, with firefighters rushing to the scene but initially struggled to bring the blaze under control. Initial reports indicated a fire at a residential area on Soi Bang Kradi 8, Bang Khun Thian district. Firefighters from Bang Khun Thian Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched to the scene. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that the fire had ignited inside a paint and thinner factory located approximately 200 metres into Soi Bang Kradi 8. When firefighters arrived they found the entire factory engulfed in flames and at 01:30, additional fire crews from Chom Thong, Dao Khanong, Thung Khru, and Nong Khaem stations were called in for support, with 10 fire trucks on-site. At 01:45, the fire continued to rage, accompanied by multiple , intermittent explosions, as the factory contained numerous paint and thinner drums. Foam was requested to help control the blaze. The factory's warehouse structure collapsed under the intensity of the fire, but there were no reports of anyone trapped inside, though one individual was injured and received medical attention. By 04:00, it was reported that the fire had been brought under control and an investigation into the cause and assessment of the damage had began. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe

August 23,16.00, Authorities have called off the search for the remains of the passengers and pilots of the aircraft. Police and rescue teams from Chachoengsao decided to halt the search after thoroughly scouring the crash site and determining no further remains or debris could be found. All plane parts were washed at the scene and moved to the 11th Infantry Battalion at Somdet Phra Nangklao Camp, Chachoengsao, where they await further investigation.

The Strange Car Fire Destroyed in Protest The investigation of a fire that broke out in a taxi in Bangkok, takes a strange turn when the furious driver confesses to arson. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1336338-the-strange-car-fire-destroyed-in-protest/

Picture from responders At 11:55, on 24 August a fire broke out in a taxi between Soi Nawamin 52-54, Nawamin Road, Khlong Kum Subdistrict, Bueng Kum District, Bangkok. The vehicle involved was a blue Toyota Altis without a license plate, which ran on both gasoline and NGV gas. The fire completely destroyed the car. Firefighters arrived on the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze, in about 30 minutes. Initial investigations were unable to determine the cause of the fire, as the car was entirely consumed by flames. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities reported in the incident. The area is under the jurisdiction of Bang Chan Fire and Rescue Station. Further investigation, saw the fire take a strange turn. When police located the taxi driver, Sarochat, he confused that he had set fire to his taxi in a fit of anger and destroyed it in protest against what he claims is fraudulent treatment by a leasing company. The protest was also highlighted by two signs placed in front of the burned taxi. The signs alleged serious misconduct by the leasing company, accusing them of cheating One sign read, “This company is a national-level scam. They cheated me out of nearly 100,000 THB the first time, and the second time, after a lawyer told me I owed over 200,000 THB, the court reduced it to 130,000 THB. I paid off the entire taxi loan, never missed a payment, yet they seized my house without a single court notice." Police officers from Lat Phrao Police Station have taken Sarochat in for questioning. The investigation is ongoing as they seek to clarify the details of his claims and the events leading up to the violent and reckless protest. -- 2024-08-24 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe Picture from a local resident of the start of the driver’s protest and the protest sign.

Short CCTV clip from distance captures the final moments, the aircraft seems to falling vertically downwards. Aircraft is not certainly not flying with any control. RPReplay_Final1724412488.mp4

At 11:15 on August 23, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as Minister of Interior, provided updates from the crash site. He explained that the plane plunged to the ground before exploding, scattering debris and human remains across the area. Rescue operations have already recovered about 40% of the wreckage. "The aircraft is completely shattered, and none of the parts are intact. Once all the pieces are recovered, experts will reassemble them to determine the cause of the crash. We are also coordinating with aviation experts from the aircraft's manufacturing company in the U.S. to assist in the investigation," Anutin stated. He also mentioned that, since the aircraft was a small propeller plane with no black box, witness testimonies will be crucial to the investigation. Witnesses reported hearing the plane's engine before it crashed, indicating that the engine was still running at the time of the accident. Anutin raised concerns as to why the plane did not glide during an emergency but instead fell directly to the ground. The aircraft, a small U.S.-manufactured propeller plane, was authorised to fly at an altitude of 5,000 feet (approximately 1.5 kilometres). Anutin added that all pilots are trained to glide during emergencies, and the pilot of this particular flight was highly experienced. He emphasized the importance of allowing investigators the time they need to determine which component of the plane may have caused the crash. Despite his confidence in the airline's adherence to maintenance regulations, Anutin reiterated that the final determination would have to wait until the investigation is complete. Picture courtesy of Khaosod

UPDATE: The Landslide in Karon, Phuket Has Now Claimed Multiple Lives The devastating landslide that struck the Karon subdistrict of Phuket this morning,has severely damaged many homes and has claimed 8 lives in the Kata area. The victims include a Burmese and a Russian national. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1336269-heavy-rains-cause-landslides-in-phuket-1-dead/?do=findComment&comment=19173143

UPDATE Landslide in Karon, Phuket Claims Multiple Lives Drone image of the extent of the landslide. 13.00 The rescue co-ordinator issued an update on the current rescue response. Early this morning, the devastating landslide that struck the Karon subdistrict of Phuket, has severely damaged many homes and has claimed several lives in the Kata area. So far eight people have been confirmed dead. The victims include a Burmese and a Russian national. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities are working to recover those still missing and assess the full extent of the damage. -- 2024-08-23 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe