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Phuket deadly landslide leaves officials scrambling for answers

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In the wake of a tragic landslide that claimed the lives of 13 people, including several foreign nationals, government officials in Phuket are urgently consulting experts to investigate the disaster and prevent future incidents. The landslides occurred in the Nak Kerd mountain range in tambon Karon, leading to significant loss of life and property damage.

Immediate Government Response
Phuket’s Provincial Governor, Sophon Suwannarat, announced that the provincial office has reached out to the permanent secretary of natural resources and environment. The goal is to enlist expert assistance to determine the root cause of the landslides and develop strategies to prevent similar disasters in the future. The investigation will focus on the Nak Kerd mountain range, the epicenter of last Friday’s devastating landslide.

Impact of the Landslides
The landslide tragedy resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, including two Russians and nine Myanmar nationals. In addition to the fatalities, 19 people were injured, with 14 already discharged from the hospital. The local authorities have been coordinating with the Russian Consular Office and the Myanmar Embassy to manage the aftermath and provide support to the victims’ families.

Cause of the Disaster
The disaster was triggered by relentless heavy rainfall that began on Thursday morning, leading to flash floods and landslides across tambons Rawai and Chalong. Government reports indicate that topsoil and massive boulders slid down the mountain, causing extensive damage to local communities and tourist facilities.

Local sources revealed that a temple and a large Buddha image are situated at the mountain’s peak. An aerial photo shared on a Phuket news Facebook page shows subsidence near the base of the Buddha image, raising concerns that the construction and land clearing activities may have contributed to the instability of the mountainside.

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Community Concerns
Trin Sapmongkol, an official at the Thamon Karon municipal office, highlighted that the Buddha image required a substantial tract of land for its construction. The project involved clearing away trees, leaving the land bare and more vulnerable to erosion and landslides. Trin mentioned that local residents had long feared such a disaster would occur, and their concerns were tragically realized.

Plans for the Buddha image initially called for a smaller structure to be built 22 years ago. However, over time, the project expanded significantly, without a clear completion date, potentially exacerbating the environmental risks.

Calls for Further Investigation
Chalong Loysamut, a local resident, is petitioning Deputy Governor Sattha Thongkham and a local Member of Parliament to investigate the cause of the landslides. The local community is demanding a thorough investigation to ensure that any contributing factors are identified and addressed to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion
As the investigation into the landslide disaster in Phuket unfolds, government officials and experts will be working to determine the cause of the tragedy and implement measures to prevent future incidents. The loss of life and the damage caused by the landslides have left the local community in mourning, with many calling for more stringent oversight of construction and land use practices in vulnerable areas.

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Thai PM Launches Monthly TV Program to Connect with Citizens

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Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra initiated her first monthly television show on Sunday, marking a new era of direct communication between the government and the Thai people. This innovative approach aims to keep citizens informed about the administration’s progress and future plans.

Inaugural Episode Highlights

Government Achievements and Vision

In her debut broadcast, Paetongtarn outlined her government’s accomplishments during its first 90 days in office. She presented a comprehensive overview of the administration’s initiatives under the campaign theme “2025: Empowering Thais, a Real Possibility”.

Long-Term Structural Policies

Addressing National Challenges

The Prime Minister detailed six long-term structural policies, including strategies to combat floods, drought, and PM2.5 air pollution. Additionally, she discussed plans to tackle drug trafficking, dismantle monopolies, and invest in large-scale future projects.

2025 Initiatives

Empowering Communities and Education

Paetongtarn announced five key initiatives for 2025, including the revival of the “One District, One Scholarship” program and the introduction of the “One District, One Summer Camp” project. These programs aim to enhance educational opportunities and language skills for Thai students.

Grassroots Development

Strengthening Local Communities

The government plans to implement the Village and Community Development Programme (SML Project) to empower local communities. This initiative, along with efforts to resolve household debt and provide affordable housing, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life.

Connecting with the Public

Transparent Governance

By launching this monthly TV show, Paetongtarn is fostering a more direct and transparent relationship with the Thai people. This platform allows her to share progress reports, address concerns, and outline future plans in a more accessible format.

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Looking Ahead

Building a Stronger Thailand

As Paetongtarn continues to lead Thailand, her focus on both long-term structural changes and immediate community-focused initiatives reflects a comprehensive approach to governance. Through this regular TV program, she aims to keep the public engaged and informed about the country’s development.

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Bangkok Intensifies Battle Against Air Pollution

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Bangkok is taking decisive action to combat the persistent issue of air pollution, particularly PM2.5 particles. The city administration is implementing a series of measures to improve air quality and protect public health.

Proposal for Air Pollution Control Area

BMA Seeks Enhanced Authority

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to propose that the government declare Bangkok an air pollution control area. This designation would grant the BMA more power to address haze pollution effectively, including access to the environment fund for financing anti-pollution efforts.

Traffic and Transportation Measures

Restrictions on Heavy Vehicles

To reduce emissions, the BMA is banning non-registered six-wheeled trucks and larger vehicles from entering low-emission zones within the city’s inner ring road. AI-equipped cameras are monitoring compliance, with violators facing fines up to 2,000 baht.

Promotion of Public Transport

The government has implemented free public transport services, resulting in a 50% increase in electric train ridership and a 15% decrease in traffic on major roads. This initiative is supported by a 140 million baht budget to compensate transport operators.

Workplace Adaptations

Encouraging Remote Work

The BMA is urging companies to allow employees to work from home, aiming to reduce vehicle emissions and overall air pollution levels.

Upcoming Air Quality Concerns

Forecast and Precautions

Officials predict increased PM2.5 levels from January 30 to February 5, 2025, due to low air ventilation and temperature inversions. Residents are advised to wear masks, avoid outdoor waste burning, and refrain from using vehicles that emit excessive black smoke.

Current Air Quality Status

Monitoring and Reporting

The BMA’s Air Quality Information Centre reports that PM2.5 concentrations in Bangkok’s 43 districts are currently at “moderate” levels, averaging 32.8 micrograms per cubic metre of air, below the safety standard of 37.5μg/m3.

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Thailand Revamps Peace Efforts: New Negotiation Team to Address Southern Conflict

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Thailand’s government is taking steps to address the long-standing conflict in its southern region by forming a new peace negotiation team. This move comes as part of the administration’s renewed focus on resolving the decades-long insurgency in the Deep South.

Strategic Overhaul

Reassessing Approaches

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced the plan to establish a new negotiation team, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of strategies. The government aims to convene discussions with all stakeholders within two weeks to form the new team, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Leadership Uncertainty

Potential Candidates

The leadership of the new team remains undecided. It could either be the previous team or a newly appointed one, with the final decision pending a comprehensive evaluation of past strategies. Chatchai Bangchuad, a deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council, previously led peace talks under the former prime minister.

Challenges and Concerns

Persistent Violence

Mr. Phumtham expressed concern over the increasing frequency of violent attacks in the region. The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over two decades without resolution, raises questions about the effectiveness of current approaches.

Ceasefire Difficulties

Negotiation Hurdles

Despite previous negotiations, a ceasefire agreement has never been successfully reached. This failure highlights potential misalignments between opposing political and military groups, casting doubt on the efficacy of further negotiations.

International Dimension

Malaysian Involvement

The Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani (BRN) rebel group has criticized the government for delays in forming the new negotiation team. This criticism followed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to Malaysia, where bilateral cooperation and peace-building efforts were discussed.

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Government Commitment

Addressing Challenges

Mr. Phumtham, who also serves as the defense minister, reaffirmed the government’s active commitment to addressing the challenges in the Deep South. This commitment underscores the administration’s determination to find a lasting solution to the conflict.

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