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British Man Arrested After Violent Outburst in Phuket
Deport him for ltfe as soon as possible> -
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Thai Authorities Order Closure of 55 Buildings Post-Quake
Picture courtesy of Siam Rath Following a recent earthquake, Thai authorities have inspected over 6,900 buildings across Bangkok and the provinces, with 55 structures deemed too damaged to use and subsequently closed. On the 7th of April, the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning led the assessment alongside engineering bodies. Buildings were categorised into three groups: public buildings like hospitals and schools, private high-rise buildings, and residential dwellings. The inspection, which began on 28th March and concluded on 6th April, classified 6,487 buildings as safe (green), 361 with moderate damage but still usable (yellow), and 55 with severe structural issues, leading to closure (red). The focus was on ensuring the immediate safety of occupants and the structural integrity of the buildings. Private high-rise and large buildings, which are legally required to undergo yearly inspections, have seen 1,822 out of about 11,000 already reported as checked. Bangkok authorities have urged building owners to follow through with necessary inspections or face legal consequences. In addition to the capital, 6,344 buildings across 76 provinces were also assessed, with similar findings. The department has made resources available for public inquiry through various media and a 24-hour hotline. The authorities emphasised the need for ongoing monitoring of building conditions, urging immediate consultations if any changes are observed. Buildings with moderate damage should undergo further detailed inspection by experts, while those heavily damaged remain off-limits for use until adequately repaired. Based on a story by Siam Rath -- 2025-04-08 -
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Tremors Shake Chiang Mai & Mae Hong Son
Image courtesy of Bangkok Post Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son districts were rocked by sixteen minor tremors on Monday morning. These little shakes, measuring 1.9 to 3.8 on the Richter scale, were most prominent in Wiang Haeng, Chiang Mai, and Pai, Mae Hong Son. Though many went unnoticed, a few larger ones made their presence felt among residents. The Earthquake Observation Division reported that the tremors began early, from 4:22 am and continued sporadically until 10:57 am. The majority—ten quakes—were located in Saen Hai, Wiang Haeng, with magnitudes ranging from 1.9 to 3.5. Meanwhile, Pai district experienced six tremors, with the initial one peaking at a considerable magnitude of 3.8. A government official, Jirayu Huangsub, noted structural concerns linked to a past seismic event on March 28 in nearby Myanmar. In Chiang Mai, one older condominium, Duangkamol, suffered enough structural damage to be evacuated and closed off as a precaution. This eight-storey building, over thirty years old, displayed notable cracks, prompting safety measures by public officials. Another two taller condo buildings bore minor cosmetic damage and await repairs while being vacated. These recurring tremors highlight ongoing seismic activity in the region. Local authorities maintain vigilance, ensuring swift responses and safety measures for those in affected areas. The minor tremors serve as reminders of the region's susceptibility to geological shifts and the importance of building preparedness. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-08 -
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Earthquake Fear Drives Bangkok Residents to Search for Safer Housing
Picture courtesy of Thai Rath Bangkok residents are reeling after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit, creating chaos and panic among high-rise dwellers. With visible cracks appearing on the 22nd-floor walls of his apartment, Phatsakon Kaewkla wasn't alone in his fear. Hundreds of buildings suffered damage, inciting concern about their structural integrity. Phatsakon, like many others, sought shelter elsewhere, avoiding his home until expert confirmation of safety was provided. Despite reassurances from condominium management, a lingering unease remains. "I feel a little bit scared," he admitted, as many join him in considering low-rise alternatives. The ripple effect has hit the real estate market hard. Bangkok expert Owen Zhu noted a surge in residents eager to abandon their lofty homes for something sturdier. The earthquake has struck a chord, highlighting potential risks of high-rise living. Turkish expat Yigit Buyukergun faced similar fears when his apartment building showed major damage, leaving him skeptical of claims it was "100 percent safe." The fallout from the quake has sparked disputes between tenants and landlords about the habitability of damaged properties. While building owners reassure residents of safety, anxiety remains. The quake revealed gaps in building standards, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Authorities are probing whether substandard materials contributed to a 30-storey collapse, intensifying scrutiny on construction practices. Zhu predicts a slow but steady rise in property prices, driven by the demand for safer homes. Meanwhile, residents like Buyukergun grapple with unsettling reminders that nature's unpredictability doesn't stop at national borders. As Bangkok weighs future safety measures, the demand for earthquake-proof housing is stronger than ever. Based on a story by Bangkok Post -- 2025-04-08 -
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Lack of Steel Reinforcement in Pillars Leads to Building Damage, Expert Warns
Picture courtesy of Assoc. Prof. Tortrakul Yamnak on Facebook. Via Thai Newsroom An alarming revelation has rattled the construction scene in Thailand. Former Engineering Institute of Thailand president, Assoc. Prof. Tortrakul Yamnak, has pointed out a severe construction flaw in buildings across Bangkok and Chiang Mai after a massive earthquake hit on March 28. The root of the issue? Columns that haven’t been reinforced with steel. Tortrakul illustrates with grim detail that many tall buildings, some even eight stories high, showcase dangerous damage—not just superficial plaster cracks but real structural threats. The academic insists that these cracks are due to pillars failing under seismic stress, warning the public to urge for immediate inspection by structural engineers. This lapse in structural integrity stems from not adhering to updates in the Building Control Act, which mandates reinforcement designs tailored for earthquake resistance. He stresses the significance of correct reinforcement patterns, advocating for rebar stirrups at strategic points like the base and top of columns on every level. These construction standards, verified through illustrations in recent building codes, are crucial for safeguarding against future tremors. Assoc. Prof. Tortrakul has raised a call to action for structural engineers, urging them to master and execute the earthquake protocols stipulated in Thailand’s three-tiered hazard classification. His insights, shared every Monday under "Open Your Mind to See Construction," serve as both a guide and a stern reminder of the gravity of precision in civil engineering. In summary, a critical flaw has been exposed in how certain Thai structures have been built, potentially laying the groundwork for future devastation if not addressed. Understanding and applying the correct building standards and act revisions could prevent such catastrophes, ensuring safer infrastructure in quake-prone areas. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-04-08 -
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Thaksin's Coalition Threat: Support Casino Bill or Risk Expulsion
File photo. Dourtesy by Thai PBS World Thaksin Shinawatra has turned up the heat on coalition partners, warning that failure to back the Pheu Thai-led casino bill could result in their expulsion from the government. Insiders reveal that Thaksin, father of Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, expects unwavering support for the legislation that looks to open casinos within entertainment complexes, when it comes up for vote this Wednesday. The move comes despite fierce opposition from various societal sectors and former senators. The billionaire power player is reportedly using his influence to cajole coalition partners into line, hinting at dissolving the House of Representatives if they defy the Pheu Thai party. A fresh general election could loom as a consequence for those not toeing the line. The coalition members in Thaksin’s sights include the Bhumjaithai party, Ruam Thai Sang Chart, and Prachachart, which are pivotal players in the coalition ecosystem. Pheu Thai champions the casino proposal, arguing it would boost tourism in hotspots like Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok by drawing wealthy international tourists, potentially infusing millions of Baht into the economy. Despite this vision of economic revival, opposition to the scheme is potent. The bill, controversially postponed from last week's parliamentary agenda, has sparked protests from anti-Thaksin activists, who may hit the streets again when the bill is tabled Wednesday. The outcome of Wednesday's vote could have significant repercussions, either catalysing a major legislative reform aimed at bolstering tourism revenue or shaking up the coalition government to its core. The casino bill remains at the heart of a fervent debate, balancing economic objectives with societal concerns. Based on a story by Thai Newsroom -- 2025-04-08
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