In the ever-bustling realm of Southeast Asian affairs, an intricate tapestry is unwinding along the flow of the Kok River—one of life’s essential streams—where the blend of water and land is not just geography but a lifeline for countless lives downstream in Chiang Mai. The Thai authorities, with a sense of urgency that rivals the monsoon tides, have turned their hopeful gazes toward Myanmar, seeking a partnership that could be the river’s savior. The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) of Thailand is fervently echoing the clarion call for cooperation, emphasizing not just the importance but the critical necessity of collaborative efforts to fend off the lurking menace of toxic contamination. A threat that not only endangers the river’s health but also imperils the public communities relying on its flow. Surasee Kittimonthon, the ever-diligent ONWR secretary-general, has stepped into the spotlight, urging an immediate cessation of water usage—a move…
Posts published by “Editorial Team”
In the bustling heart of Bangkok, as relentless efforts to clear debris continued at the crumbled remains of the State Audit Office (SAO) building, heavy machinery worked tirelessly under the watchful eyes of officials. Amidst the clamor and dust of the demolition zone, a somber mission unfolded as rescue teams desperately searched for any signs of those missing beneath the rubble. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut) With the collapse still shrouded in mystery, the air buzzed with the echoes of nearly 100 voices – each interviewed by police as they pieced together the fateful series of events leading to the disaster. Pol Maj Gen Noppasil Poonsawat, the city’s diligent deputy commissioner, led a team sifting through evidence in a criminal probe as intricate as a game of chess. Witness statements were collected like puzzle pieces, with forensic examinations and expert assessments hot on their heels. The roster of those interviewed? A raw…
The clang of machinery echoed through the debris-laden landscape as rescue crews, guided by Governor Chadchart’s unwavering determination, forged through the night. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the relentless efforts of heavy machinery were brought to bear on the rubble, clearing a path forward. As dust settled, the canine heroes were unleashed—K-9 teams primed to sniff out life amongst the destruction. At the stroke of 10:00 p.m., hope took form as a faint reply to rescuers’ calls echoed from the depths. With bated breath and sonar equipment poised, the team reached out again, pleading for a sign. A knock returned their call—faint yet clear—an unmistakable acknowledgment of life beneath layers of concrete. Chadchart, channeling both expert assessments and a leader’s intuition, placed faith in the hope that survivors might be huddled near the elusive fire escape. “We found the fire escape yesterday,” he shared, determination lacing his…
In the wake of the natural calamities that occasionally strike with zero prejudice, the government has set forth a well-orchestrated system to provide a helping hand to those caught in the crossfire of nature’s wrath. Imagine an earthquake rocketing the tranquil grounds of a metropolitan area and leaving in its wake a trail of devastation. To cushion the blow, assistance is brought to the forefront for those whose permanent residences have fallen victim to the earth’s untimely shake. For someone seeking refuge from such adversity, the road to recovery starts with a vital document: the disaster victim certificate, procured from the trusty district office. This golden ticket of sorts is indispensable and needed alongside proof of residency—be it a registered house, a leased space turned new abode, or another variant of living quarters treated as a permanent dwelling. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) teams up with the…
The aftermath of nature’s unforeseen dance can sometimes leave a hint of chaos in its wake, as was the case after recent inspections of the 437 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)-affiliated schools. Astonishingly, out of all these educational bastions, 70 were found to be lightly tiptoed upon by nature’s rhythm. Think of minor ailments such as cracks akin to laugh lines on a seasoned face, or the mischief of fallen ceiling plaster that perhaps tired of holding its breath. Then there were the elevators, those trusty navigators of vertical dreams, that felt a bit off balance, while certain columns and building structures showed evidence of minor shifting, perhaps after sweet nothings exchanged with Mother Earth. Staircases and teachers’ abodes bore witness to her gentle caress, as though inquisitive about the daily hustle within. Now enter the scene: a brigade of engineers, armed not with spanners and hammers at the ready, but…
In the hush of an ordinary midday in bustling Hat Yai, an unexpected twist of fate led to a dramatic scene unravelling at the Thai Udom 2 gold shop. Just as the morning sun reached its zenith, around 11:55 am, a man stealthily entered the store, his intent as unmistakable as the glint of the golden treasures displayed around him. This wasn’t merely a shopper captivated by the allure of gold, but rather a criminal orchestrating a brazen heist. Meet the protagonist of this notorious escapade—Yee Boon Long, aged 61, a Malaysian gentleman with a notable criminal repertoire. As the story unfolded, it became clear that Yee, unmasked and unflinching, instilled fear into the staff, claiming 138 baht-weight, which translates to an impressive 2.1 kilograms of gold jewellery, befitting a cinematic exit. With his plunder stashed in a deceptively ordinary shopping bag, he exited the scene with nonchalant audacity, disappearing…
In the haunting aftermath of the tragic collapse of the State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district, which plummeted to the ground during the intense March 28 earthquake centered in Myanmar, rescuers continue their relentless search for 72 missing souls. The disastrous incident has already claimed 22 lives, a number that has cast a shadow over the bustling spirit of Bangkok. On a fateful Wednesday, two weeks post-tragedy, the rescue mission was in full throttle, transforming the desolate construction site into a hub of determined activity. It was a day that saw the steady hum of heavy machinery merge with the hopeful yet somber determination of the rescuers. As the formidable machines worked tirelessly to clear the massive battlefield of concrete and steel, a semblance of hope lingered in the air. The operation was a colossal undertaking, with an impressive lineup of 21 machines onsite, including colossal backhoes and towering…
In the heart of bustling Bangkok, as the world gradually embraces a new day, the city finds itself in a peculiar conundrum—a series of shelters, standing strong and ready, yet echoing with a silence that betrays their purpose. First, meet the Din Daeng Service Centre for the Elderly. Nestled quietly amidst the city’s vibrant chaos, this haven is prepared to welcome up to 70 individuals. Today, it finds itself partially filled, with 57 inviting spots still waiting to be occupied by those in need. It’s a place where the elderly could find solace and security, offering a refuge where stories of the past mingle with hopes for tomorrow. A little way across the city, at Wat Samian Nari School in the Chatuchak district, lies another shelter. With the capacity to embrace 150 souls, it’s a space seemingly untouched by the city’s tumult, miraculously standing completely empty, ready to extend its…
Step into the real-life drama that would make even the best TV thriller pale in comparison. The glamorous land of high society, diamond-studded events, and political entanglements recently found itself rocked by an intriguing and scandalous deception. Front and center in this unfolding saga is the beloved and talented actress, Rinyarat “Kana” Watchararojsiri. Amidst flashing cameras and hushed whispers, she arrived at the bustling Crime Suppression Division Headquarters, evidence in hand, ready to reveal the tangled web spun by Thanyatep “Hi-so Hot” Sirithapsadechakul. Little did anyone know, this plot was packed with more twists and turns than could be found in a blockbuster film! Accompanied by her bubble of elegance, Kana stood alongside another silent warrior in this drama, known only as Palmy. Together, they handed over crucial evidence, revealing the manner in which they were hoodwinked by a suave conman masquerading as a wealthy socialite with strings to pull…
In a bid to ensure precision and clarity in the reporting of fatalities after the tragic building collapse, Deputy Governor Dr. Tavida has announced a significant update to the process. From here on out, the number of casualties will be meticulously verified by forensic pathologists before being officially reported. This initiative is designed to minimize any potential confusion and provide an accurate account of the human toll. As part of this revised approach, the official fatality figures will be updated twice each day, precisely at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Recognizing the complex nature of identifying victims, Dr. Tavida highlighted that the conditions of the bodies might evolve over time, necessitating a thorough and extended examination process. Concurrently, other vital evidence, including personal belongings and environmental clues from the scene, are being carefully collected to support these efforts. For those affected, the process of registering for assistance and compensation has…