Georgealbert

2 August, at approximately 12.00, in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, a mini van, carrying tourists, collided with a trailer truck on the road adjacent to the motorway 7 near the Nong Pladuk tunnel, heading towards Pattaya. The accident resulted in injuries to ten individuals, including nine foreign nationals and one Thai driver. The incident is currently under investigation. Pictures from responders.

Apple has withdrawn its "Out Of Office" ad, filmed in Thailand, following backlash from some Thai people. The short film, "The Underdogs: OOO (Out Of Office)," faced criticism for allegedly depicting Thailand negatively through stereotypes and failing to reflect the country’s current development. According to news reports, Apple stated that the ad was intended to showcase Thailand’s culture and positive attributes. However, the company has apologised for not fully and accurately representing the current way of life in Thailand and has decided to discontinue the advertisement. https://workpointnews.com/around/news/NQDWYPE

On August 1, at 16:00, Lt. Col. Sombat Kaewmoolmook, Deputy Inspector (Investigation), was alerted to an incident where a 37-year-old South Korean tourist had drowned and lost consciousness at Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn, Moo 7, Na Kluea Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. Upon receiving the report, officials and rescue units from Sawang Boriboon Foundation, Pattaya, quickly responded. Rescue personnel and locals attempted to revive the unconscious tourist by transporting him to Ban Koh Larn Community Medical Center, Pattaya. Despite the medical team's efforts to resuscitate him, the tourist was pronounced dead. Investigations revealed that the deceased had traveled to Koh Larn with a fellow South Korean friend. They were snorkeling near Tawaen Beach when the deceased suddenly lost consciousness and floated face down in the water. His friend noticed the unusual behavior and urgently dragged him back to shore, shouting for assistance. Authorities conducted initial witness interviews and planned to send the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Preliminary assumptions suggested drowning, but a detailed autopsy is awaited. Earlier, on July 30, at 09:18, another South Korean tourist, aged 82 and sharing the same surname as the recent victim, drowned while swimming at Tawaen Beach on Koh Larn. Initial police speculation indicated that the elderly tourist might have had an underlying health condition that led to the incident. However, a conclusive cause of death is pending the autopsy results. Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Inspector of Tourist Police Station 4, Sub-Division 2, Division 1, visited the area to investigate the drowning incidents. Despite ongoing efforts by Pattaya Tourist Police to prevent such occurrences and implement rescue measures, further preventative strategies are being considered to avoid repeat tragedies. https://workpointnews.com/around/news/NUN8MFK

On August 1, at 14:30, an accident occurred in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, when a tree fell on a suspension bridge, causing two Chinese tourists to fall. One tourist died, and the other was injured. The incident took place in the Thep Sadet sub-district. The tourists, a 44-year-old woman and her 46-year-old husband, were returning from a zipline activity when the tree fell, causing them to plunge 15 meters to the ground. Prolonged rainfall had weakened the soil, leading to the tree's collapse. Rescue teams transported the victims to Doi Saket Hospital. The woman succumbed to her injuries en route, while the man, who suffered broken arms and legs, was transferred to Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. In the evening, Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongsayam Mekhantong, Deputy Commander of the Tourist Police, and other officials visited the victims' family at Chiang Mai Ram Hospital. They discussed the incident with medical staff, Ms. Yang Jiong, Deputy Consul General of China in Chiang Mai, and representatives from the Tourist Assistance Center (TAC). Pol. Maj. Gen. Pongsayam directed preventative measures with zipline operators and discussed compensation with the Chinese Consulate. The zipline company’s insurance provides compensation of 500,000 THB for injuries and 1,000,000 THB for fatalities. The Tourist Police will also issue warnings about natural hazards during the rainy season, such as flash floods, landslides, and falling trees. The TAC will expedite the insurance payment process for the deceased and closely monitor the injured man's recovery. The child of the victims is being cared for by witnesses until the injured parent recovers. https://workpointnews.com/around/news/NPY5E9T

Thai media report of the incident. https://www.amarintv.com/news/detail/226774

August 1, at 14:55 a fire broke out on the 4th floor of a well-known shopping mall in the Rama 9 area, specifically in the electronics section. Smoke spread as high as the 8th and 9th floors, but fortunately, authorities managed to control the situation, temporarily closing the 4th floor to ventilate the smoke while keeping other floors open for business. Media reports stated that netizens posted images and warnings about a fire incident inside a popular mall in the Rama 9 area on the social media platform "X". One user posted, “There’s a fire on the 4th floor of xxx mall. The situation is being controlled now, but there’s a lot of smoke. Be careful, the smoke can be smelled up to the 8th and 9th floors. Some staff aren’t even aware yet.” Another user reported, “There was a fire in the electronics section of a mall. The situation is now under control. The 4th floor is temporarily closed to clear the smoke, but other floors are operating as usual.” A third netizen mentioned, “My mom called to say she was shopping in the mall when the fire broke out in the electronics section. She has safely exited the mall now.” Initial investigations revealed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit, which produced a large amount of smoke. Mall authorities promptly handled the situation, and everything is now back to normal.

Picture of the area where this incident occurred and the recovery team gaining access to the victim.

August 1, a young Dutch tourist has been found dead after mysteriously disappearing, presumed to have fallen off a cliff at the Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint in Krabi province. Authorities searched for over 16 hours before discovering his body. Authorities reported that they had been searching for an 18-year-old Dutch tourist who had vanished under mysterious circumstances. The tourist had been visiting the Khao Ngon Nak viewpoint, located in the Noppharat Thara Beach - Phi Phi Islands National Park, Moo 3, Nong Thale Subdistrict, Mueang Krabi District, with his parents when he went missing. According to reports, since the afternoon of July 31, officials had been conducting a search operation for more than 16 hours. The tourist was eventually found approximately 30 meters from the viewpoint, his body trapped on a tree branch beneath the cliff. Efforts by officials are underway to retrieve the body from the mountain, a process expected to take about five hours. Meanwhile, Mr. Somprasong Prabsongkram, Deputy Governor of Krabi, has been providing support to the grieving parents who lost their son in this tragic accident. https://workpointnews.com/around/news/N72BF7Z

The injuries were only minor, but the media pictures really do say that Thai roads are unsafe.

Some images of the proposed routes and the main layout plan used at the presentation of the feasibility studies, with my translation.

Boeing 737 Max Crash Victims’ Families Object to Plea Deal. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/boeing-737-max-crash-families-204917560.html

At 16:20 on July 31, the emergency hotline 199 reported a fire caused by an electrical short circuit at an electric motorcycle charging station inside JJ Mall, Chatuchak, on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak District. The Phahonyothin Fire and Rescue Station was dispatched to the scene, and arrived at 16:29 and found that the fire had already been extinguished, by Mall staff using dry powder extinguishers. Details of the incident are currently under investigation, but this is believed to be an electrical fire and did not involve any Li-ion batteries or electric vehicle. Pictures from responders.

The panel that blew off a Boeing Alaska Airlines jet will get star billing during a Washington hearing, next week. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/panel-blew-off-boeing-jet-205612802.html

July 30, at 16:30, officers from Bang Lamung Police Station, along with rescuers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, Pattaya City, equipped with rescue vehicles and ambulances, rushed to investigate and assist following a report of a Chinese tourist bus rear-ending a six-wheeler truck. Several injuries were reported. The incident occurred on Route 36 (Krathing Lai – Rayong) heading into Pattaya, between Km 5+500 and 5+400, in Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. At the scene, a white Chinese tourist bus was found with front-end damage. The driver, aged 44, was injured and given first aid by rescuers before being transported to Bang Lamung Hospital. Thirteen Chinese tourists were on the bus: 3 men, 7 women, 1 boy, and 2 girls, all in a state of shock. Two tourists sustained injuries and were given first aid before being transferred to their hotel by another bus. Beside the bus, a black PCX motorcycle was found overturned on the roadside. The rider, aged 42, was injured and also taken to Bang Lamung Hospital after receiving first aid. In front of the Chinese tourist bus, a six-wheeler box truck had sustained minor damage. The driver, aged53, was unharmed. Initial investigations revealed that the motorcycle, which had exited the far-left lane, lost control on sandy terrain and crossed into the path of the six-wheeler truck in the middle lane. The truck driver attempted to swerve to the far-right lane to avoid the motorcycle, which then collided with the central barrier. The tourist bus, heading towards a Pattaya hotel in the far-right lane, failed to brake in time and rear-ended the truck, which had swerved to avoid the motorcycle. Police will conduct a further investigation before proceeding with legal actions. https://sattahip-news.com/2024/07/30/ระทึกรถบัสนักท่อเที่ย/

July 30, at 07:06, a traffic accident occurred opposite Lotus Navanakorn, Phahonyothin Road (Inbound), Express Lane, Khlong Nueng Sub-district, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province The incident is reported to involve 2 vans and 1 pickup truck, with 21 people being transported to hospital for treatment of reported minor injuries.

Here are a few pictures from inside the tunnels, before the trains were allowed through.

Video from the rear of the train going through the tunnel, clearly shows the amount of dust being thrown up. RPReplay_Final1722300216.mp4

Responders video of the destroyed vehicle, showing this is not normally a survivable accident, when speed is mixed with heavy rain and wet roads. My Movie.mp4

An accident occurred near the Sai En curve in Song Salung Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province. Initial reports indicate that a sedan lost control in heavy rain and crashed into a utility pole. The collision resulted in the death of one male occupant, who was trapped inside the vehicle. Emergency responders had to use cutting equipment to extricate the deceased from the car. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident and have urged motorists to exercise caution when navigating the area, known for its sharp curve. Picture from responder.

Video of the flooded pig farm. RPReplay_Final1722169031.mp4

On Sunday, July 28, at 07:00 Mr. Pornchai Wijitthammaniphan, the Livestock Officer of Trat Province, along with officials from various departments, including provincial administration, disaster prevention and mitigation, the Trat Marine Task Force, and related agencies, provided assistance in relocating pigs from a flood-affected farm in Ban Khlong Khut, Village No. 2, Huai Raeng Subdistrict, Mueang Trat District, Trat Province. A total of 1,200 pigs, aged just over 2 months, were moved to higher ground in preparation for relocation to a farm owned by a company in Wang Nam Yen District, Sa Kaeo Province. This pig farm, which had been under flood surveillance and preparedness inspections by the Trat Provincial Livestock Office since Wednesday, July 24, 2024, was heavily impacted due to its proximity to Huai Raeng Canal, a low-lying area. Continuous heavy rainfall over several days led to the current flooding situation. https://www.fm91bkk.com/newsarticle/34155

Update in Thai media. “On July 28, at 08:00, Police Lieutenant Suwit Boonyaphen, Inspector of Tourist Police Sub-Division 4, Division 2, Mae Hong Son, reported receiving an emergency call via the 1155 hotline. The report detailed that a foreign tourist had slipped and fallen at the popular tourist spot, Pai Canyon, also known as Kong Lan Pai. Coordination with local agencies and Pai Samakkhi Rescue was immediately initiated to assist the injured tourist. Upon arrival, authorities found a 25-year-old male tourist from the United Kingdom who had fallen from the top of the canyon, sustaining injuries to his leg. The tourist police and Pai Samakkhi Rescue team provided first aid and transported the injured tourist to Pai Hospital. The latest reports indicate that the tourist is now in a stable condition. Lieutenant Suwit emphasised that during the rainy season, the ground is especially slippery, particularly in steep or mountainous areas. He urged both Thai and international tourists to exercise caution when visiting such high-risk areas to prevent unexpected accidents.” https://workpointnews.com/around/news/N0YHQHH

On July 28, at 07:40, a male tourist slipped and fell at Kong Lan in Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province. Pai Police Station promptly responded to the incident and coordinated with rescue personnel from Pai District to provide initial first aid and rescue the casualty using rope (line) rescue techniques. The injured tourist was transported to Pai Hospital for further treatment. Picture from responders.

“At 02:30 on July 28, Police Lieutenant Warintorn Sotawong, Deputy Inspector of Muang Udon Thani Police Station, received a report of a car collision with a motorcycle at the Phothisomphon Temple intersection in Mak Khaeng, Udon Thani Municipality, Udon Thani Province. The accident resulted in injuries and a fatality. Authorities, including the on-duty physician from Udon Thani Central Hospital and volunteers from the Udon Sawangmethatham Foundation, quickly arrived at the scene. At the scene, near the temple sign, they found a white Honda PCX motorcycle severely damaged and lying on its side. Tragically, a 12-year-old boy, referred to as "A" (alias), was found deceased, lying on his back between the motorcycle's handlebars and seat. The boy had a broken neck, a head wound, and a collapsed chest. No identification documents were found on him. Three other passengers were injured: 1. Ms. B (alias), 15 years old, the driver. 2. Mr. C (alias), 15 years old, a passenger sitting behind the driver. 3. Boy D (alias), 14 years old, the last passenger. All injured parties were taken to Udon Thani Central Hospital by an emergency medical unit before the police arrived. Approximately 100 meters away, they found a black Toyota sedan with severe front-end damage. Ms. F (alias), a 23-year-old from Kalasin Province, was the driver and stood by, visibly shaken, waiting to provide her statement to the police. Ms. F recounted that she was returning from dinner with friends in the city. After parting ways, she was driving to drop off a friend in Ban Lueam, traveling on Phosri Road toward the Ban Lueam intersection. Upon reaching the intersection of Phothisomphon Temple and Phaoniom Road, which had flashing yellow traffic lights, a speeding motorcycle crossed her path. She was unable to brake in time and collided with the motorcycle. Preliminary investigations confirmed that the intersection had flashing yellow lights on all four sides. Authorities will review CCTV footage from the scene and interview all involved parties to determine the cause of the accident before proceeding with further actions.” https://workpointnews.com/around/news/NGGBFCF

The SIA aircraft, registration 9V-SWM, which suffered the damage during the turbulence on 21 May, returned to commercial service on Saturday 27 June, flying to China, on it’s first passenger service since the incident.