Georgealbert

On August 15, at 14:50, officers from the Environmental Crime Division (ECD) conducted a raid on an illegal timber warehouse in Chiang Mai and arrested a Captain in the army, along with others involved, while they were in the process of delivering illegal timber to a local investor. The raid resulted in the arrest of two key suspects: 1. Ms. A, a 41-year-old woman, who was charged under multiple sections of the Forest Act for her involvement in illegal timber activities, including possession and transportation of restricted timber without permission. She was also charged under the National Reserved Forests Act for her role in damaging the environment within a national forest without authorisation. 2. A 45-year-old Army Captain was arrested for possessing processed restricted timber beyond the legally permitted amount. He was caught transporting the timber to the warehouse. Seized items included: - 65 planks of processed Siamese Rosewood (Chingchan) - 115 planks of processed Padauk wood - 20 large knots of Padauk wood, weighing over a ton - Two weighing scales - One pickup truck The raid took place at an unregistered warehouse located in the Suan Hattha Craft Village in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai, and extended to the San Pa Tong bypass. The investigation was part of a larger operation led by Police Lieutenant General Jiraphob Bhuridej, head of the Central Investigation Bureau, to crack down on cross-border environmental crimes, specifically illegal logging and timber trafficking, which has seen a surge in recent months. The warehouse, located in Ban Thawai, a famous handicraft village, was found to contain 65 pieces of processed Siamese Rosewood and 115 planks of Padauk, among other illegal timber. Ms. A, who had been managing the warehouse for over 10 years, claimed she was unaware the timber was illegal and stated that she was only responsible for opening and closing the warehouse. Simultaneously, police received a tip-off about a vehicle carrying illegal timber. They intercepted the truck as it approached the warehouse. The Army Captain, who was driving the vehicle, claimed he had purchased the timber from a local in Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province, and was unaware of its illegal origins. He was delivering the timber to the warehouse’s investor when he was caught. Further investigations revealed that the timber was destined for export, hidden among handicraft products, to international markets. Siamese Rosewood and Padauk are highly sought after by foreign buyers, especially those who believe the woods are auspicious. Siamese Rosewood can fetch up to 1,500 baht per kilogram abroad, while Padauk sells for around 300 baht per kilogram. Knots of Padauk, considered rare, can sell for as much as 2,000 baht per kilogram. The seized timber was estimated to be worth over 10 million baht on the international market. The authorities are continuing to investigate the case and aim to dismantle the international illegal timber smuggling network responsible for these activities. Further arrests are expected as the operation progresses. -- 2024-08-16 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Video of the fire as it developed. My Movie.mp4

Fire in Soi Charan Sanitwong Bangkok Damages 16 Homes August 15, a fire broke out in Soi Charan Sanitwong 79, and quickly spread damaging 16 houses, in a residential area located in Bang Phlat district, Bangkok Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335639-fire-in-soi-charan-sanitwong-damages-16-houses/

Picture from responders August 15, at about 15.10, a fire broke out in Soi Charan Sanitwong 79, damaging 16 houses, in a residential area located in Bang Phlat district, Bangkok. Firefighters and rescue teams from the local Bang Ao Fire Station, plus rescue foundations were dispatched to the scene to control the blaze, with support being provided by neighbouring areas. Initial investigations revealed the fire started in a cluster of two-storey wooden houses. There was one person at home in the house where the fire started, who stated that he noticed a fire break out at the head of a large cooking gas cylinder, which then quickly spread through the home, forcing him to have to escape the house by jumping from the second floor, sustaining injuries, The fire caused significant smoke and flames, and started to spread to the adjacent properties. By 15.30 responders reported that the fire had engulfed four neighbouring houses, with the first house completely destroyed, and responders were actively working to extinguish the flames, but faced difficulties, due to the limited and narrow access at the scene, plus the homes being located close together. At 16.00, responders stated that fire was successfully contained on all sides, thus preventing any further spread, but by this time 16 houses had been effected by the fire (see drone image below), It took several hours before all parts of the fire was fully extinguished. 12 houses were destroyed by the fire and 4 others partially danaged. One volunteer responder suffered smoke inhalation injuries and was treated by emergency medical services from the Erawan Centre before being taken to hospital for checks. An investigation is underway to try to verify the cause of the fire and an assessment of the total losses is being calculated. Drone image of the damage -- 2024-08-16 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

The entrance is at Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 6, Naklua area. That is not a bridge, it is a Royal commemorative structure.

Also visible on google maps

There is an elevator at the crossing, outside Father Rays, and has been there since the tunnel was completed.

UPDATE The Chao Phtaya Express Boat Co. Ltd. Issues Apology. On August 15, Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. issued an apology to all passengers regarding an incident in which a tourist boat collided with one of their express boats near Phra Pinklao Pier (Pak Khlong Bangkok Noi). The company immediately launched a full investigation into the incident. The collision resulted in injuries to five passengers due to the impact between the vessels. The Marine Department, along with rescue teams and the company, promptly transported the injured passengers to the hospital for medical attention. Currently, all injured individuals are being cared for by a medical team, and their conditions have been deemed safe. Three of the injured passengers have already been discharged and returned home. Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd. has since held discussions with the Marine Department and the tourist boat company involved. The Marine Department has conducted a preliminary investigation and documented the incident. A thorough investigation will follow to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The company emphasised that its staff followed all safety protocols during the incident. It reaffirmed its strict safety measures and expressed its commitment to enhancing precautionary planning to avoid future accidents. Passengers who witness any incidents or notice any operational conduct by staff that could lead to accidents are encouraged to report them via the company's Line Official Account or Facebook.

I would be banned if I showed video. A lot of the Thai reports I see,come with images and video, which is not suitable for the forum.

Yes agree, but having watched the video, from the medical responders, the head injury was the most severe and ultimately life threatening.

CCTV of the incident is very poor and inconclusive, as it does not really show what happens, but the soundtrack does highlight the number of shots that were fired. RPReplay_Final1723710792.mp4

UPDATE The Marine Department reports the following incident: An accident occurred involving a collision between two vessels on the Chao Phraya River. The express boat "Chao Phraya 194" (registration number 5300-02370) collided with the small tour boat "Wannangam Nava 8" (registration number 2910-41091) near the mouth of Khlong Bangkok Noi. At the time of the incident, the express boat "Chao Phraya 194" was traveling from the Railway Pier to Phra Pinklao Pier. As it passed the mouth of Khlong Bangkok Noi, it collided with the empty "Wannangam Nava 8," which was entering Khlong Bangkok Noi. The collision occurred on the right side of the express boat, causing damage to five roof pillars and the roof itself. The accident resulted in five injuries, including two foreign nationals and three Thai nationals. All injured individuals were promptly taken to Siriraj Hospital for treatment. Representatives from both companies involved have arrived to manage the situation and proceed with relevant actions. -- 2024-08-15 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Two Passenger Boats Collide Near Pinklao Pier Bangkok August 15, a collision occurred between a regular service river passenger express boat and a river tour boat near Pinklao Pier, Bangkok. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335574-two-passenger-boats-collide-near-pinklao-pier/

Late morning of August 15, a collision occurred between a regular service river passenger express boat and a river tour boat near Pinklao Pier, in front of the Rim Nam Moo Krata restaurant, beneath the Somdet Phra Pinklao Bridge, Bangkok. Initial reports indicate that four people were injured—two women and two men. One side of the boat, was damage, with side supports, fittings and part of the canopy crashing onto the seated tourists. Taling Chan rescue teams treated the casualties at the scene and rushed the injured to Siriraj Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and are questioning the crews of both boats, plus taking statements from all passengers and tourists who were aboard, to determine the cause of the accident. -- 2024-08-15 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe Picture from responders

Fire Breaks Out in Computer Room at Ban Na School, Nakhon Nayok On August 15, at 08:10 a fire broke out in the computer room of Ban Na "Naiyok Pithayakorn" School, located in Nakhon Nayok, one student suffered smoke inhalation. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1335556-fire-breaks-out-in-computer-room-at-ban-na-school-nakhon-nayok/

Picture from responders. On August 15, at 08:10 a fire broke out in the computer room of Ban Na "Naiyok Pithayakorn" School (N.P.K.) located in Ban Na Subdistrict, Ban Na District, Nakhon Nayok Province. Firefighters were called to the scene and the school evacuated. Firefighters able to bring the blaze under control, in about 30 minutes, but the computer room suffered significant damage. One student was missing during the evacuation, but was quickly located by responders and rescued from the incident, but had inhaled smoke and was promptly assisted and transported to Ban Na Hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, and assessing the cost of a damage. -- 2024-08-15 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Some clarification of this fire. The fire was in a battery charging station, where removable batteries are place, no electric motorcycle was attached to the charger or involved in the incident. There is no indication, from what responders have reported, as to what type of charger was involved, but from the picture of the damaged unit after the fire (see below) it was the type that can charge multiple batteries at one tine, rather than just a single battery. The cause of the fire is under investigation and from the original story “It is unclear whether the fire was due to an electrical short circuit in the charging equipment or a degraded battery.”

Cyclist Killed in Pickup Truck Collision Near Pattaya On August 15, at 06:00 a fatal road accident occurred in front of Chittaphawan Temple, on the Sukhumvit Road, following of a collision involving a pickup truck and a bicycle. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1335545-cyclist-killed-in-pickup-truck-collision-near-pattaya/

Picture courtesy of medical responders On August 15, at 06:00 a fatal road accident occurred in front of Chittaphawan Temple, on the Sukhumvit Road, Banglumung District. Authorities received a report of a collision involving a pickup truck and a bicycle. On arrival at the scene, rescue teams found an unconscious male cyclist with no pulse and severe head injuries, The cyclist is reported to be a 82-year-old man, Despite the efforts of the medical responders, to administer CPR, their attempts were unsuccessful, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The pickup driver, aged 39, a security officer on his way to work, reported that he was travelling in the outside lane, when reached out to pick up something, looked up and the bicycle suddenly and without warning, cut across the lanes, attempting to get to the outside of the road, and although he tried to brake, he was unable to prevent the pickup striking the rear wheel of the bicycle and throwing the rider onto the road surface. The bicycle rider was not wearing a protective helmet, which may have prevent some of the injuries. Police will carry out further investigations and see if any CCTV is available to determine the cause of the accident. -- 2024-08-15 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Boeing plea deal should be accepted, US Department Of Justice says. A plea deal struck with Boeing should be accepted, the U.S. Justice Department said in a court filing on Wednesday, after some relatives of the 346 people killed in two fatal 737 MAX crashes called for it to be rejected. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-plea-deal-accepted-us-222528617.html

Picture courtesy of Thai AirAsia Thai AirAsia is set to introduce a new nonstop service connecting Bangkok, Thailand, with Kathmandu, Nepal. The route, scheduled to begin on October 2, 2024, will operate four times a week and marks the low-cost carrier's entry into the Nepalese market. The flights will link Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) with Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). "AirAsia is always looking to expand its network, and Nepal is one of the most popular destinations not only among Thai travelers but also visitors from across the globe," said Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of Thai AirAsia, in a press release. "This region has tremendous growth potential for tourism, trade, and business. The new route will benefit both regions." -- 2024-08-15 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Surin Fire Destroys Cattle Pen, Leaves Animals Dead and Injured On August 13, a fire broke out in a cattle pen in Surin province, resulting in the death of seven animals and injuring several others. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1335529-surin-fire-destroys-cattle-pen-leaves-animals-dead-and-injured/

Thailand to Crack Down on Attempted Illegal Import of Industrial Waste from Albania The Department of Industrial Works is intensifying efforts to prevent the illegal import of 816 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust from Albania, following concerns raised by several environmental organisations. Full story : https://aseannow.com/topic/1335528-thailand-to-crack-down-on-illegal-import-of-industrial-waste-from-albania/

Picture from responders On August 13, a fire broke out in a cattle pen in Surin province, resulting in the death of seven animals and injuring several others. The fire occurred at the pen owned by Mr. Sanya Kaenchan, 50, a resident of Ban Chang Oet, Moo 9, Truem Subdistrict, Sikhoraphum District. The pen, located about 100 meters from the village, housed 16 cattle and buffaloes, along with agricultural equipment, a water pump, a tractor, and a motorcycle, all of which were destroyed in the blaze. The total damage is yet to be assessed. Local livestock officials, including Ms. Chantra Phokham, the Sikhoraphum District Livestock Officer, and her team, arrived at the scene to provide assistance. They found that nine cattle were severely injured, two died on the spot, and five were suffering from serious burns. Additionally, seven buffaloes were affected, with five injured and two dying in the fire. Three of the seriously injured animals later had to be killed, to stop their suffering. Mr. Sanya, the owner, was devastated by the loss, as this was his entire livelihood . He explained that he had been away collecting grass for his animals when he received news of the fire. By the time he arrived, the fire had engulfed the pen, leaving the animals dead or severely injured. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that the cause of the fire is unknown, especially since the pen did not have any electrical wiring. Cattle are known to very difficult to remove from a burning area, as they group together and will not move away one at a time. In a fire they will panic and will often run back towards the fire if other animals are trapped. In response to the incident, Mr. Phisan Kaokla, the District Chief of Sikhoraphum, has ordered local authorities, including the subdistrict headmen and village chiefs, to investigate the cause of the fire and to urgently provide assistance to Mr. Sanya. The Truem Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) has also been instructed to help assess the damage and support the affected farmer. The provincial authorities in Surin have been notified, and further investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. -- 2024-08-15 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

Picture courtesy of The Department of Industrial Works. The Department of Industrial Works is intensifying efforts to prevent the illegal import of 816 tonnes of electric arc furnace dust from Albania, following concerns raised by several environmental organisations. Environmental groups, including the Basel Action Network, Friends of the Earth, and EARTH Thailand, alerted authorities that waste generated from steel recycling in electric arc furnaces was being shipped to Thailand without authorisation. The shipment, carried by two cargo vessels from Albania, has bypassed international protocols, specifically breaching the Basel Convention, which regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. Julapong Thaweesri, the Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, confirmed that the department is coordinating closely with Albanian authorities and Singapore's National Environment Agency to track and halt the illegal import of this hazardous material. -- 2024-08-15 - Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information. Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe