Police Rule Koh Tao Businessman’s Death a Suicide

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14 September 2018, 11:48

Pattarapol Ekpathomsak seen in a photo he posted to his Facebook on Aug. 24.

SURAT THANI — Investigators ruled a Koh Tao businessman’s death as suicide by gunshot, police said Friday.

Pattarapol Ekpathomsak, who owned a diving school and several restaurants on the tourist island, shot himself during a Facebook live steam because of “personal issues,” according to Surat Thani city police chief Sirichai Songwasin.

“It was clearly a suicide,” Col. Sirichai said by phone.

Pattarapol, dressed in a biker suit, shocked viewers Thursday after laying down on his bed and putting a handgun to his chin before pulling the trigger.

Police soon arrived at his home to find his body and messages bidding farewell scribbled on his bedroom mirrors.

“It’s okay. I made this decision myself,” one of the messages says.

The 48-year-old had written other suicidal messages on his social media accounts days prior to his death. On Wednesday, he posted a photo of a meal captioned “Last Supper.”

A thread on popular webforum Pantip posted Thursday and attributed to Pattarapol, said he decided to kill himself because his wife left him and cheated him out of his business shares. The thread has since been deleted.

Police said Pattarapol had two children.

Private Dies After Senior Soldiers Beat Him Into Coma

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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14 September 2018, 11:44

39999728_1891445337823968_845129699905503232_n — Kacha Pacha holding his child. Photo: Boy Krungkao / Facebook

LOPBURI — A young soldier died Friday morning after spending weeks in a coma from being beaten senseless at his post. Police said the assaulters will be charged with murder.

Pvt. Kacha Pacha, 22, died among mourning family members, after he was assaulted by three senior soldiers on Aug. 21. He was declared brain dead Aug. 24.

Read: Senior Soldiers Apologize for Beating Private into Coma

Lt. Col. Yuttaslip Kattapan of Lopburi city police said all three senior soldiers were under police custody after being previously charged with attempted murder, and that police would investigate the matter to press further charges.

“Now that he has died, we will add additional murder charges,” Yuttasilp said. “The highest punishment for that is execution.”

Kacha’s relatives announced Friday morning on Facebook that Kacha, or Khem, had passed away at 5:45am.

“I know my fatty is really tired. You fought your hardest. Sleep in peace, my fatty,” wrote Wannisa Boonta, Kacha’s 24-year-old wife. She is pregnant with their second child.

Kacha’s body will undergo an autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Police General Hospital before behind handed over for his relatives to organize funerary rites in his native Buriram province.

Deaths of lower-ranking soldiers in the military due to abuse are frequent. Last year, 19-year-old cadet Pakapong Tanyakan died under similar circumstances.

A previous interview with Kacha’s relatives.

Correction: A previous version of the story misidentified an assaulter.

At Least 3 Injured When Crane Collapses in Silom

By

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI

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14 September 2018, 11:01

A crane collapsed on a car, trees and electric poles Friday morning in Saladaeng Road.

BANGKOK — A construction crane collapsed Friday morning on a car and electric poles in central Bangkok, injuring at least three people.

The accident happened at about 9am on Sala Daeng Road in the Silom area. The crane reportedly fell from a construction site onto a passing car, several trees and five utility poles, and also damaged a number of buildings and cars parked nearby.

Update: Builder Faces Charges Over Silom Crane Collapse

Road traffic was closed after police and rescue workers arrived on the scene. The cause of the accident was being investigated. Electricity to the area remained cut off as of 11am.

ซอยศาลาแดง รถเครนในโซนก่อสร้างล้มทับรถเก๋ง และเสาไฟฟ้า ต้นไม้ ล้มพาดขวางถนน #ซอยศาลาแดง pic.twitter.com/4joVKxJBU9

— I'm Pokdeng (@iampokdeng) September 14, 2018

A female victim was trapped in one of the vehicles and had sustained serious injuries. Two men, a motorcycle rider and a pedestrian, suffered minor injuries. All were taken to a hospital.

Police identified Wirak Reuan as the crane’s operator. The construction was for a housing complex and said to have been underway for over a year.

เครนล้มพัง ร่วงลงล่าง ศาลาแดง ซอย. 2 เห็นมอไซด์ล้มนอนอยู่ ไม่แน่ใจคนขับเป็นไง pic.twitter.com/b44Rn6ymAZ

— sattakamol (@Sattakamol_w) September 14, 2018

Update: This article has been updated with additional information.

Indonesian Court Rules Militant Guilty of Extremism

By

Associated Press

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14 September 2018, 10:43

Islamic militant Wawan Kurniawan, center, is escorted by masked police officers upon arrival for his Thursday trial at West Jakarta District Court in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: Tatan Syuflana / Associated Press

JAKARTA — An Indonesian court sentenced an Islamic militant on Thursday to 11 years in prison after finding him guilty of conducting training in preparation for an extremist attack.

Wawan Kurniawan was arrested along with four other militants last October by the anti-terror squad in Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau province.

Judge Suhartono, who presided over the trial at West Jakarta District Court, said Wawan had been proven guilty under the anti-terror law.

Wawan, 43, was the local leader of Jemaah Anshorut Daulah, an Indonesian militant network affiliated with the Islamic State group that has been implicated in attacks in the country.

Wawan was accused of having provoked a riot in May at a high-security police detention center in which six officers were killed by Islamic inmates who took control of part of the prison near Indonesia’s capital. One militant was also killed.

A week later, four sword-wielding men who allegedly belonged to Jemaah Anshorut Daulah attacked a police headquarters in Pekanbaru and were fatally shot by police. A fifth man who drove their vehicle was arrested while trying to escape. One officer died and two others were injured.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency.

Prosecutors had sought a 13-year jail sentence for Wawan, but the panel of judges said they decided to be lenient because of his politeness during the trial and because he had never been sentenced in a criminal case before.

Indonesia has carried out a sustained crackdown on militants since bombings by al-Qaida-affiliated radicals in Bali in 2002 killed 202 people.

Rohingya Girls Find Joy in Elaborate Makeup (Photos)

By

Associated Press

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14 September 2018, 10:32

Rohingya Girls Photo Gallery — In this June 27, 2018, photo, from left, Ranjeda, 9, Rumana, 10, and Zesmin, 10 pose for a portrait in front of their classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh's refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

UKHIYA, Bangladesh — The dazzling displays of color emerge amid the mud and monsoon rains of Bangladesh’s refugee camps: vibrant flower headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup worn by young Rohingya girls.

These girls are among 700,000 Rohingya Muslims who were forced to flee their homes after the military in neighboring Myanmar launched a brutal campaign of violence against the minority group last year. Many left all their cherished belongings behind, and their new lives in the cramped, chaotic camps are devoid of luxuries.

But for the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the girls decided to treat themselves to something special: makeovers. They bought makeup and headbands from vendors in the camps, hoping the adornments would help them look beautiful to relatives they visited during the holiday.

The girls say it can take them up to an hour to complete their look. But the process is one that brings them much-needed joy, given all they have endured.

AP18256132494670 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Rumana, 10, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132745124 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, from left, Ranjeda, 9, Rumana, 10, Minajan, 10 and Wisma Bi Bi, 12, smile at each other while waiting in their classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132702933 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Nazifa, 10, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132690927 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Wisma Bi Bi, 12, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132662657 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Astafa, 10, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132634128 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Zesmin, 10, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132630182 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Taslima, 10, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132607115 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Shamshoda, 10, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132561608 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Ranjeda, 9, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

AP18256132557584 — In this June 27, 2018, photo, Dil Kayas, 12, poses for a portrait in front of her classroom in Chakmarkul refugee camp, Bangladesh. Amid the misery and mud of Bangladesh’s refugee camps, Rohingya girls have found small moments of joy by adorning themselves with flowery headbands and elaborately-drawn makeup. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E)

Story: Wong Maye-e

TWG Tea Launches New Dining Menu at Siam Paragon’s TWG Tea Salon and Boutique (Sponsored)

By

Khaosod English

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14 September 2018, 10:27

BANGKOK — TWG Tea, the purveyor of fine teas and leader in tea gastronomy, launches a new all-day dining menu introducing a range of savoury and sweet treats artfully incorporated with the finest harvests and exclusive tea blends, in celebration of the reopening of TWG Tea Salon and Boutique in Siam Paragon.

Crowned with unique antique furnishing, burnished brass and touches of gold trimming, the newly refurbished TWG Tea Salon and Boutique highlights a rejuvenated patisserie counter beautifully expanded with a takeaway area, allowing guests to choose from its wide array of tea-infused patisseries and ice cream selection.

Satiate your palate with delightful starters such as the seared Tuna Nicoise Salad, accompanied by quail egg, kalamata black olives, cherry tomatoes and red onion on a bed of fresh salad leaves, served with red wine vinegar infused with Eternal Summer Tea dressing (฿380) or opt for the pan-seared Tiger Prawn Salad accompanied by coleslaw in a spicy oriental dressing and a garden salad, served with strawberries and orange in a Strawberry Tea infused vinaigrette (฿390). For that luxe starter, tuck into a dish of fresh hand dived Scallop Carpaccio with light spicy hibiscus dressing infused with Jade of Africa Tea and sprinkled with pink pepper (฿420).

Delectable list of main courses includes the caramelized Norwegian Salmon & Matcha Beurre Blanc with teriyaki sauce accompanied by coconut ginger rice, steamed edamame, sautéed oyster mushroom and served with a Matcha beurre blanc sauce (฿490) or the pan-seared Snow Fish With Pea Purée accompanied by fried tofu, seasonal vegetables, braised fennel and miso sauce infused with French Earl Grey (฿590). For a hearty meal, sink into the aromatic slow braised Lamb Shank in red wine gravy sauce infused with Spice Route Tea, served with buttered couscous and seasonal vegetables (฿850).

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Pasta lovers can choose between popular favourites such as Blue Mussels and Scallops Spaghetti Marinara tossed in an Italian herb tomato sauce infused with Alfonso Tea accompanied by shaved parmesan cheese and sprinkled with chopped parsley (฿490) or the Tiger Prawn Squid Ink Spaghetti infused with Earl Grey Gentleman and clams squid ink spaghetti tossed in a garlic and basil butter emulsion accompanied by a confit of bell peppers (฿490).

Other hearty pasta choices includes the Genmaicha Mushroom Linguine tossed with sautéed forest mushroom in a light garlic and cream sauce, accompanied by wilted spinach, roasted asparagus and a soft cooked egg topped with Genmaicha furikake (฿360) or the Crab & Truffle Cappelletti, a homemade egg pasta filled with crab meat, truffle and edamame, served with herb roasted pumpkin infused with Comptoire des Indes Tea and sage brown butter (฿420).

New additions to the Croques & Sandwiches menu includes the Matcha Club Sandwich filled with slow-cooked chicken breast layered with fried egg, smoked turkey bacon, roma tomatoes and lettuce chiffonade in pommery grain mustard mayonnaise sauce on toasted homemade Matcha pain de mie accompanied by delicate green salad tossed in 1837 Green Tea infused vinaigrette (฿290), the Salmon Croissant featuring Earl Grey smoked salmon with dill cream cheese and young salad leaves in a homemade croissant (฿290) or the Steak Sandwich filled with grilled wagyu beef tenderloin and vegetables, topped with Comté cheese and Smoky Earl Grey infused barbecue sauce on French Baguette (฿390).

Complete the dining experience with TWG Tea’s handcrafted sweet treats that will certainly leave you yearning for more. Try the Strawberry Panna Cotta, featuring a vanilla panna cotta with strawberry coulis and Silver Moon Tea infused cream, accompanied by Sakura! Sakura! Tea infused sorbet and fresh fruits (฿240) or a mouthwatering Earl Grey Lava cake served with a scoop of homemade Vanilla Bourbon Tea infused ice cream (฿280). Another timeless creation is the warm darkChocolate Soufflé accompanied by Vanilla Bourbon Tea infused vanilla sauce (฿220).

TWG Tea’s new menu is available from July 2018 onwards, exclusively at TWG Tea Salon and Boutique in Siam Paragon. For more information, please contact us at +66 (0) 02259 9510.

TWG Tea Images:

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Scallop Carpaccio

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zhWzKB uZzpm 15SARdv2mXGjdvLQV2My 4fj9qLZ4lSFSRnzCjrMa0x1fwNnaBn7LHtTnYV Tiger Prawn Squid Ink Spaghetti

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Genmaicha Mushroom Linguine

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Steak Sandwich

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Earl Grey Lava

About TWG Tea

TWG Tea, the finest luxury tea brand in the world, was established in Singapore and celebrates the year 1837 when the island became a trading post for teas, spices and fine epicurean products. TWG Tea, which stands for The Wellbeing Group, was founded by Taha Bouqdib, Maranda Barnes and Rith Aum-Stievenard in 2008 as a luxury concept that incorporates unique and original retail outlets, exquisite tea rooms and an international distribution network to professionals. Committed to offering teas directly from source gardens, TWG Tea’s collection is the largest in the world, with fine harvests from every tea producing country and exclusive hand crafted tea blends. Internationally recognised as a true innovator with the creation of new varieties of tea every season in collaboration with the world’s most renowned estates, TWG Tea also offers exquisite signature modern tea accessories and delicate tea-infused sweets and savouries.

After launching its first Singapore tea salon & boutique at Republic Plaza in 2008, TWG Tea has opened in iconic destinations such as ION Orchard, Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya Singapore. Expanding its presence internationally, TWG Tea has heralded the opening of exquisite Tea Salons & Boutiques in Bangkok, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Tokyo, Manila, Jakarta and Shanghai. In addition, TWG Tea’s exclusive collection of the finest teas of the world is available from TWG Tea Boutiques in Harrods Knightsbridge, London and Dean & DeLuca Madison Ave, New York. The premier tea supplier to the finest hotels, restaurants and international airlines, TWG Tea is retailed around the world in gourmet épiceries, including El Corte Ingles in Portugal, Feinkost Kaefer in Germany, David Jones in Australia and GUM in Moscow, Russia, and served in Business Class, First Class and Suites and in the Lounges of Singapore Airlines and Nippon Airways.

TWG Teas are available in Singapore, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vietnam. European online orders can be made at www.Harrods.com; online orders within the USA can be made at www.DeanDeluca.com; Canadian orders may be made online at www.VansingDG.com; worldwide online orders can be made directly from the TWG Tea e-Boutique and m-Boutique at TWGTea.com.

Leaders Laud Ex-UN Chief Kofi Annan at Ghana State Funeral

By

Associated Press

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14 September 2018, 10:22

Current U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, left, pays his respects by the coffin of former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, draped with the Ghana flag, during a state funeral Thursday at the Accra International Conference Center in Ghana. Photo: Sunday Alamba / Associated Press

ACCRA, Ghana — United in sorrow, world leaders and international dignitaries came to Ghana to pay their last respects to the late United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan who was honored with a state funeral Thursday, as many lauded him as an exceptional man and leader.

Annan died on Aug. 18 in Bern, Switzerland at age 80. The grandson of tribal chiefs, he was the first black African to become the U.N. leader and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.

“Kofi Annan was courageous, speaking the truth to power while subjecting himself to intense self-scrutiny,” said current U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Presidents from across Africa joined Guterres, Annan’s family and many others in a ceremony that concluded two days of viewings.

The presidents of Namibia, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia and Sierra Leone attended, along with Niger’s prime minister and Angola’s vice president.

Former leaders from Europe and Africa also joined the ceremony, including Graca Machel, wife of the late South African President Nelson Mandela.

Guterres said the late Annan “was an exceptional global leader – and he was also someone virtually anyone in the world could see themselves in: those on the far reaches of poverty, conflict and despair who found in him an ally; the junior U.N. staffer following in his footsteps; the young person to whom he said until his dying breath ‘always remember, you are never too young to lead – and we are never too old to learn.'”

Guterres, who was selected by Annan to be the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, spoke of the honor of working with him to weather “many of the same global storms.”

“The world has lost a standard-bearer of global cooperation. The United Nations has lost an embodiment of its mission,” he said. “Now that I occupy the office Kofi once held, I am continually inspired by his integrity, dynamism and dedication. To him, indifference was the world’s worst poison.”

Even after serving as secretary-general he continued to work on the front lines of diplomacy, said Guterres.

“He helped to ease post-election tensions in Kenya, gave his all to find a political solution to the brutal war in Syria and set out a path for ensuring justice and rights for the Rohingya people of Myanmar,” said Guterres.

Ghana’s President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo said Annan was bold and never gave up on what he believed in.

“Despite the unjustified attacks on him, trying to fix him with responsibility for the genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica when he was head of U.N. peace operations, he never lost his moral compass, as he showed when he stood up to the might of the United States of America when she was embarking on the ill-fated intervention in Iraq.”

History has vindicated Annan, said Akufo-Addo, saying that his “epic but unavailing effort to establish the supremacy of international law over the actions of even the world’s greatest power won him the admiration of all right-thinking persons.”

He said, Kofi Annan was an ardent believer in the capacity of Ghana and the continent of Africa to chart its own path of progress.

Annan’s wife, Nane “thanked God for giving her such an extraordinary human being,” while his daughter Ama Annan Adedeji said her father “was one of the most loving people l have known.”

Mourners have thronged to the conference center in Accra, where his coffin has been since his body arrived Monday, and where the funeral was held.

A private burial follows at Accra’s Military Cemetery, with full military honors and a 17-gun salute.

Story: Francis Kokutse

40 Billion Baht Could be Spent in Next Election

By

Teeranai Charuvastra, News Chief

-

13 September 2018, 17:58

Yingluck Shinawatra gestures to supporters while on the 2011 campaign trail in Ubon Ratchathani province.

BANGKOK — At least 40 billion baht will be spent on canvassing and campaigning in the run-up to Election Day, an economist forecast Thursday.

Basing his estimate on spendings tracked on previous election cycles, Thanawat Polwichai of the Thai Chamber of Commerce University told reporters to expect an “intense” campaign season.

“And this time, we expect the competition will be intense, so we believe it would definitely be over 40 billion baht,” Thanawat said. The number could fluctuate depending on when the junta lifts its ban on political campaigning, he added.

He said he included all related campaign spending, including canvassing and advertising.

His comments came a day after a crucial election law for the next poll was passed, bringing Thailand the closest it has ever been to a general election in over four years.

Junta deputy chairman Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters the country will vote on Feb. 24, echoing other officials.

The news was met with enthusiasm on the Thai stock market. The SET added 33.82 points, or 2.01 percent, to close at 1,713 by the day’s end.

Bangkok Cop Blames Traffic on Too Many Buses

By

JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI

-

13 September 2018, 17:46

Traffic jam on Ramkhamhaeng Road. Photo: @Godzilela / Twitter

BANGKOK — To reduce Bangkok’s misery-inducing traffic, take some buses off the road?

A transport official Thursday slammed a top police officer for citing that unique logic recently to demand buses on Ramkhamhaeng Road be reduced to ease its nerve-shattering congestion.

Chamnan Yoosa-ard of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority expressed dismay after a deputy metro police chief blamed “big buses” for traffic on the street, where major ongoing construction for the Orange Line has shut down two lanes.

“The BMTA buses do not cause problems for traffic,” Chamnan wrote online. “It hurts to hear that conclusion as a solution for the traffic problems.”

On Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Jirapat Bhumijit offered the suggestion among measures under consideration to solve high congestion problems, especially during rush hours. They included adding shuttles to popular destinations and reducing bus routes along the road.

“These buses are big and old. When they get stuck in traffic or break down, they need a lot of space,” he said. “Further study is needed to see which routes have too many buses but too few passengers. They will be cut to increase space, which will help ease traffic problems.”

Bangkok’s congestion problems are exacerbated throughout the city by construction projects unfolding at a seemingly languid pace. On Ramkhamhaeng Road, only four of six lanes are open due to construction there that’s expected to continue another five years at least.

In his long post, Chamnan said the suggestion contradicts the policies of “many civilized countries” to encourage people to use public transport. He faulted the government for pushing policy after policy promoting use of private cars until they “flood the streets.”

He also fumed that despite buses being used for many state functions, including flood evacuation, the government offers little support. His department can only pay small salaries to its employees and is now in hundreds billion of baht in debt, he said.

“Stepped-up law enforcement to solve the [problem] should be a better solution,” he wrote. “I believe ‘big buses are causing traffic problems’ is only a passing thought, not the conclusion of all the options out there.”

And the idea that the road is choked with empty buses just isn’t true, a higher-ranking transportation official chimed in to say.

Prayoon Choygeo, acting BMTA director, today said that up to 97,000 people commute daily on BMTA buses servicing Ramkhamhaeng.

“During the rush hours, all buses are packed,” he said. “If the amount of buses is reduced, what would the affected passengers do?”

He said the department wouldn’t reject the suggestion, which has yet to be formally proposed, but added that other solutions should be discussed to minimize the harm to public transportation commuters.

“This road has had severe congestion long before the rail construction,” Prayoon said. “The amount of cars should be reduced, especially personal vehicles that can be diverted to other streets, and people encouraged to use public transport more.”

“The people affected are the majority who don’t have other commuting choices except for buses. People who have their own cars have more options,” he added.

Toon Bodyslam Doc Makes Fresh Appeal For Hospitals

By

Asaree Thaitrakulpanich, Staff Reporter

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13 September 2018, 17:05

BANGKOK — The rock star runner behind a cross-country charity run that raised millions for public hospitals hopes a film about his experience will reignite the public’s desire to give.

Moviegoers have until Sunday to catch “2,215 Believe, Crazy, Bravely Stepping Forward,” or simply “2,215” for the number of kilometers run by Artiwara “Toon Bodyslam” Kongmalai, whose run late last year between the southernmost and northernmost points of Thailand became a national rallying point.

“We are using this movie as our vehicle to run, instead of me,” Toon said Wednesday.

He raised 1.4 billion baht for underfunded state hospitals during his run last year and hopes the film, produced by a top commercial studio, will draw more donations for Siriraj Hospital.

Read: ‘Toon Bodyslam’ Hands 1.3B Baht Over to Hospitals

The film is currently showing through Sunday at most major theaters, some with English subtitles. Toon said donations to his foundation, Kao Kon La Kao, will go toward a new building at Siriraj Hospital. He’s collected 12 million baht so far.

“This building has special significance for me because it’s to take care of patients living in poverty. There are no VIP rooms. It’s also the last building that Rama IX named,” Toon said, referring to the late king who died two years ago next month.

One major obstacle to making the film during Toon’s arduous run were the elements and size of the crew, according to director Nottapon Boonprakob of GDH Studio.

Nottapon said it was a very small team trailing Toon under “rain, sun, very cold and then very hot weather.”

The film is showing at both major cinema chains. Check listings to find times offering English subtitles. Nimibutr Stadium will show the movie free four times a day, tomorrow through Sunday.

It was the singular media event of 2017 when Toon, the frontman of giant rock act Bodyslam, hit the road to raise money for 11 state hospitals. He ran 2,215 kilometers from Yala to Chiang Rai in 55 days while raising more than 1.3 billion baht from members of the public and corporate sponsors.

Pic a day 180609 0004 — The ‘2,215’ production team while filming Toon’s run.

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Correction: An earlier version of the article misidentified the director.

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