Thailand Forest Rangers Rescued After Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
Thailand Forest Rangers Rescued After Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
In Kanchanaburi, three forest rangers who went missing while patrolling a remote area for illegal gold mining have been found safe and well after a long night of searching. The national park launched a major search operation, including helicopter support, after contact with the three was lost on Tuesday and they failed to return to base. The rangers had been patrolling a mountainous forest route as part of a crackdown on suspected illegal gold mining when continuous heavy rain made their journey back impossible.
Flash flooding had effectively cut off their route, leaving them stranded overnight. Thankfully, all three were eventually located safe and were evacuated from the forest by helicopter.
Thailand Electricity Tariffs to Fall for September Bills
And some welcome news for electricity users across Thailand as the average power tariff is set to fall to around 3 baht 89 satang per unit plus tax for September bills. That’s six satang below the previously announced rate following a decision by the energy regulatory commission. There’s better news particularly for lower use households.
The energy charge for the first 200 units of residential electricity will be capped at no more than 3 baht per unit. Rates for electricity consumption between 201 and 400 units and above 400 units remain otherwise unchanged apart from that reduction in public lighting costs. Six satang may not sound like a fortune and admittedly you’re probably not booking a Caribbean cruise with the savings, but with household bills seemingly going only one way in recent years, we’ll take a reduction wherever we can get one.
Kamphaeng Phet Crash Anger After Village Headman Granted Bail
In Kamphaeng Phet province, meanwhile, there’s considerable anger following the release on bail of a village headman accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that killed two teenagers. CCTV reportedly shows a car colliding with a pickup truck before continuing on and then striking a motorcycle carrying the youngsters. The two teenagers had left home and were preparing to board a bus for a school field trip when tragedy struck.
The village headman is reported to have been returning from a meeting with colleagues and authorities say alcohol was detected following the crash. His release on bail has caused understandable anger among local residents and the victims’ families. A village headman’s position can normally continue until the age of 60, but the provincial governor is now reported to be considering procedures that could see him removed from office.
The bereaved families have also raised concerns about funeral expenses saying the accused has told them he is unable to provide compensation.
Former Teacher Apologises Over Threatening School Messages in Songkhla
In Songkhla, a former South African teacher has issued a public apology after allegedly posting messages threatening teachers and school administrators alongside an image of a firearm. Peter Johannes Dreyer previously worked as an English program teacher, but the posts are alleged to have appeared in a LINE group following the termination of his contract. In an apology video, Dreyer addressed students, former colleagues, parents, and alumni acknowledging that his choice of words could understandably have caused fear and concern.
He insisted that he had no intention of hurting anyone, completely rejected violence, and said the comments were intended to raise concerns that he wanted addressed through proper channels. He conceded, however, that the way he expressed himself was wrong, and said he regretted frightening people, particularly at a time when recent events have made threats involving schools an especially sensitive issue. It remains unclear whether he has returned to Thailand, as he had previously been reported to be in Malaysia.
British Man Faces Deportation After Hua Hin Currency Exchange Incident
And a British man could be on his way home permanently after an incident at a currency exchange booth in Hua Hin. The man allegedly became abusive towards staff after arriving to collect money sent through Western Union. There was just one fairly important problem.
The reference number he supplied was incorrect, meaning staff couldn’t hand over the cash. A video subsequently shared on social media shows part of the confrontation. Two employees told investigators the man began shouting and swearing, and allegedly attempted to enter the booth to confront them, causing items around the counter to be scattered and damaged.
Police brought him in for questioning, where he reportedly admitted his involvement in the incident, and acknowledged the charges against him. Immigration officials have now been asked to begin proceedings to revoke his visa and deport him. All of which makes it possibly one of the most expensive incorrect reference numbers he’s ever entered.
24 Suspected Illegal Workers Detained at Ban Chang Construction Site
Closer to home in Ban Chang, a raid on a construction site has resulted in the detention of 24 Myanmar and Chinese nationals suspected of working illegally. The site is a new development, reportedly intended eventually to become a Chinese-run data center. Police and officials from the provincial employment office moved in at around 10:00 in the morning, apparently causing something of a sudden rush for the exits.
Several workers fled the site with some jumping into a nearby canal and swimming away. Those detained have been taken through legal proceedings at Ban Chang police station, while immigration officials have been contacted to begin the appropriate deportation procedures where applicable.
