Second Crane Collapse in Two Days Kills Two

The transcription below features news stories from across Thailand and Southeast Asia, hosted by Alex on the Good Morning Thailand program. The stories range from the two crane collapses in as many days and the company behind these disasters, plus, leading Thai political parties are vowing to reclassify cannabis in an effort to make the plant medical use only, and later on we’ll talk about the pea soup pollution that is currently plaguing the country.

1. Second Crane Collapse in Two Days Kills Two on Rama II Road
   Two people were killed after a construction crane collapsed onto cars on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon, just one day after a separate crane disaster involving a passenger train.

2. PM Cancels Italian-Thai Development Contracts After Deadly Accidents
   The Prime Minister has cancelled two major government contracts with Italian-Thai Development following consecutive crane collapses and has ordered legal action over safety failures.

3. King and Queen Grant Royal Support to Korat Train Victims
   Their Majesties have extended royal patronage to victims of the Korat train crane collapse, covering medical care and funeral assistance for affected families.

4. Major Thai Parties Pledge to Reclassify Cannabis as Medical-Only
   Three leading political parties have vowed to reclassify cannabis as a narcotic, restricting its use strictly to medical purposes if they form the next government.

5. Hazardous PM2.5 Pollution Prompts Public Health Warnings
   Authorities have warned residents to limit outdoor activity as PM2.5 air pollution reached dangerous levels across several provinces.

6. Thailand Seeks Clarity After US Halts Immigrant Visa Processing
   The Thai foreign minister is seeking explanations from Washington following a suspension of US immigrant visa processing for Thai applicants.

7. Thailand Launches New Muay Thai Visa for Foreign Students
   A new Muay Thai visa has been introduced to attract international students, offering a streamlined process for those training in the national sport.

8. Phuket Unveils ‘Dheveena’ Sea Goddess Statue
   Phuket has unveiled a large sea goddess sculpture named Dheveena, aiming to boost cultural tourism and create a new landmark for visitors.