BANGKOK – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sitthiphan said that improving sidewalks is one of the city’s development priorities, and they will be ready for the Songkran celebration in April.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been confirmed to have improved the sidewalks for 48 districts (another two districts do not have pavements that need to be repaired), a total of 58 routes and 56 kilometres, with a budget of 441 million baht and a 30-540-day improvement period.
According to development standards, they are removing street furniture obstructions, making the footpaths smooth, clean, bright, safe, environmentally friendly, and equipped with CCTV cameras.
(Khaosod Photo/ Somjit Jaichuen)
However, recently, the Pleunchit pavement renovation has become difficult due to the large number of people walking and motorcyclists riding illegally on the pavement. As a result, certain completed sections appear old quickly.
Meanwhile, the sidewalk of Lang Suan Road has unclean and difficult-to-manage hawker stalls, while Ratchadamri Road requires officials to remove waste from water intake lines and cover the floor.
Some points remain unprocessed because they belong to another agency. As a result, they must wait before handing over the land to Bangkok’s management.
(Khaosod Photo/ Somjit Jaichuen)
The Bangkok Governor stated that once the sidewalks have been renovated, the BMA will ask a group of wheelchair users to test them out before approving work. By the end of March, it should be ready to welcome Thai and foreign tourists who will visit Bangkok during the Songkran festival in April.
On Friday, Chadchart and the BMA officers met with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Transport, and Royal Thai Police, to discuss and accelerate Bangkok’s development at Bangkok City Hall.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt meets with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin at Bangkok City Hall on February 23. 2024.
Chadchat said that) many governments have previously launched large projects to improve public transport, such as the Orange Line, Yellow Line, Pink Line, and Purple Line, but the challenge is how to bring people who leave their homes to the train station conveniently.
“What we are working on is that, in the meanwhile, Bangkok has created pedestrian paths so that people may pass smoothly. Within four years, 1,700 kilometres of enhanced pedestrian walkways will be constructed to connect the vehicle system in the motorcycle taxi alley to the main transportation networks. This is a long-term system that combines multiple traffic disciplines and uses technology to control traffic signals. We will see actual outcomes starting this year,” he said.
The long wait is finally over for the FEED FANMEET event, organized by FEED, a lifestyle content producer under the MATICHON Group. Recently, FEED announced the grand event ‘FEED SMILE DAY FANMEET – The Smile Summit’, inviting fans to come together and create the ultimate full-fledged experience. It’s the first time that 3 famous couples from different studio will join on the same stage.
The event will take place on Saturday, March 23 at Thai Ratchadalai Theatre. Tickets will be available for purchase on March 2nd at 10:00 AM via The Concert https://theconcert.com
At the ‘FEED SMILE DAY FANMEET’, fans will have the opportunity to meet 3 talented couples, including “Boss Chaikamon – Noeul Nuttarat,” lead actors from the Love in the Air series by Me Mind Y, “Max Kornthas – Nat Natasit,” lead actors from the Naughty BABE series by DoMunDi, and “Billy Patchanon – Babe Tanatat,” lead actors from The Sign series by idolfactory.
These 6 artists will engage in various stage activities, singing, playing, dancing, and putting on special performances that will surely leave fans ecstatic and smiling from ear to ear!
Mr.Sompratana Kraywichian, Digital Media Director of MATICHON Group, revealed, “Building on the success of FEED in presenting content and organizing events related to BL series and artists, we are proud to announce the FEED SMILE DAY FANMEET event in 2024.
The main theme of this event is to spread smiles and happiness among fans of BL artists. On March 23, 2024, artists from all 3 studio will once again come together on the same stage. I’m believe it will create unforgettable moments for everyone attending the event.”
For fans of these 6 artists, this is an event not to be missed! Stay tuned for surprises that will surely warm your hearts. Get ready, mark your calendars, and purchase tickets starting from March 2nd, 10:00 AM, via https://theconcert.com. Ticket prices range from 4,500, 3,500, 2,500, 1,500, to 1,000 Baht.
Terms and Conditions:
The organizer will randomly select and announce the list of winners for the Photo Group 6:1, Photo Group 6:8, Hi-Touch, and Sign Poster privileges on March 18, 2024, at 18:00. Winners must confirm their privileges by March 21, 2024, at 18:00. (For the Sign Poster, fans will receive a poster signed by any pair of artists, and fans themselves will randomly select their privilege at the event. Signed posters will be received from the organizing team.)
Fans who win the PHOTO GROUP 6:1 privilege will not be eligible for the PHOTO GROUP 6:8 privilege.
If the lucky individual who has been granted privileges does not appear at the event, the organizers will consider the privileges forfeited immediately.
The organizers allow DSLR cameras into the event area. Fans can take photos or record videos with mobile phones to capture memorable moments.
Flash photography is not allowed.
Live streaming from the hall during the activities is not permitted. Any violation will result in immediate removal from the area.
Fans are allowed to bring in lightsticks for any artist’s fandom.
Lighted Sign larger than A4 is not allowed (Organizer has space in the hall to set up only 1 lighted sign per house)
food and drinks are not allowed within the exhibition hall.
Selfie sticks, folding chairs, balloons, whistle, and megaphones are not allowed in the event area.
Weapons, sharp objects, explosives, and any other dangerous items are strictly prohibited on the premises. Bag inspections may be conducted by the organizers before entry.
The organizers do not provide storage facilities or food support for artists.
Any gifts to artists during the Fan Benefit session are not permitted under any circumstances.
The organizers do not provide storage facilities for attendees, but the venue may offer storage services. The organizers are not liable for any loss or damage to personal belongings.
BANGKOK – Thailand‘s parliament voted unanimously on Thursday to loosen regulations on the fisheries industry, responding to concerns from its multibillion dollar seafood sector that the current rules are too tough.
Lawmakers approved eight draft fishery bills in the first reading in a 416-0 vote to amend regulations that were introduced in 2015 as part of the country’s crackdown on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
A parliamentary committee will study the eight drafts and propose a new draft that must pass a second and third reading and approval from the Senate before becoming law.
Thailand is the world’s fourth-largest seafood exporter with an annual exports estimated to be worth 200 billion baht ($5.59 billion) according to government data.
It cracked down on the industry after the European Union threatened to ban Thai seafood exports while the United States scrutinised the country’s fishing industry for slavery, trafficking and labour abuses on fishing boats and at onshore processing facilities.
Thailand changed its regulations to match international standards and improve its management, monitoring and inspection system, and in 2019 ratified an international convention that sets binding rules and standards for conditions on fishing vessels.
Many Thai fishermen have complained the changes were too sudden for them to adjust and have pressured the government to change the regulations.
Agriculture Minister Thammanat Prompao said the government’s draft bill, among the eight that parliament has approved, aims to urgently address those concerns.
Opposition lawmaker Pita Limjaroenrat said the changed fisheries law must also taken into account Thailand‘s international legal obligations while allowing time and compensation for fishermen to adjust to the changes.
Ninety civil society groups last year submitted an open letter to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin last year, asking him not to roll back the reforms Thailand has made in the sector.
BANGKOK – Power Next, a key player in smart energy management, has teamed up with Phayak Motor Company Limited, a prominent importer, assembler, and distributor of electric motorcycles in Thailand, to introduce the groundbreaking “Smart Energy Swapping Platform.”
This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive electric motorcycle service ecosystem, encompassing distribution, rentals, and intelligent battery swapping cabinets. The pilot program, conducted in collaboration with eight leading universities across Thailand, marks a significant step toward fostering an ecosystem and deploying battery swapping cabinets to support the widespread adoption of electric motorcycles throughout the country.
Mr. Phutthaphong Somjai, Managing Director of Power Next Company Limited and Panu Sitisan, Group CEO of Phayak Power Corp.
Mr. Phutthaphong Somjai, Managing Director of Power Next Company Limited, underscored the company’s commitment to advancing smart energy management, stating, “Through strategic collaboration with top-tier universities across provincial regions, we aim to promote the utilization of electric motorcycles and establish a network of battery swapping electric charging stations.”
Mr. Somjai further elaborated on the collaboration with Phayak Motor, leading distributor of renowned electric motorcycle brands such as ZEEHO, Horwin, and Payak Motor. He emphasized the versatility of the platform, not only within university campuses but also across industrial estates, tourist destinations, islands, and in support of parcel transportation and food delivery services.
The platform, offered by Power Next in two configurations, includes a 60-volt charging cabinet tailored for educational institutions, industrial estates, and the tourism sector. This low-cost, accessible format facilitates the deployment of electric motorcycles, initially targeting educational institutions before expanding to other sectors.
Mr. Somjai underscored the 60-volt charging cabinet platform’s dedication to catering to the needs of students, teachers, and university personnel. This innovative platform boasts a diverse array of electric motorcycle models such as Elektra 1, Elektra 2, and SK1. Starting at a competitive rental fee of 1,250 baht per month, the package includes comprehensive benefits such as registration, accident insurance, maintenance, and battery exchange services throughout the contract duration.
Mr. Phutthaphong Somjai, Managing Director of Power Next Company Limited
To avail of these services, individuals must possess a valid driver’s license and be affiliated with a university as a student, teacher, or personnel. Documentation certified by the university is a prerequisite for eligibility.
Furthermore, the Director of Power Next highlighted the integration of big data and IoT technology within the Smart Energy Swapping Platform, enabling efficient management of charging cabinets and real-time monitoring of battery status and availability. Leveraging the 5G smart network, Phayak Motor Company will supply batteries suitable for charging cabinets in each area.
The pilot program, already underway at eight universities including Chiang Mai University, Naresuan University, Khon Kaen University and Suranaree University of Technology, addresses the challenges faced by students in commuting with crowded Buses, aiming to reduce reliance on gasoline vehicles and mitigate pollution.
In addition, Power Next also offers a 72-volt charging platform tailored for electric motorcycles requiring enhanced speed and range. This platform caters to a diverse array of applications across both public and private sectors, including the burgeoning sectors of public motorcycle taxi services and food delivery riders, promising a dynamic future ahead.
BANGKOK – Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakon Maha Sanghaparinayok, Supreme Patriarch of Thailand, and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over a ceremony on Friday, February 23, 2024 to enshrine the relics of the Lord Buddha and two Venerable Disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana, in Sanam Luang, Bangkok, in honour of His Majesty the King.
The Thai Government, together with the Government of the Republic of India, have carried out the event of “Ganga-Mekong Holy Buddha Relics” as part of His Majesty the King’s sixth-cycle or 72nd birthday celebrations this year.
The Supreme Patriarch of Thailand and Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin presided over a ceremony to enshrine the relics of the Lord Buddha and two Venerable Disciples, Sariputta and Moggallana, in Sanam Luang, Bangkok, on February 23, 2024.
The Prime Minister invited people in Thailand to pay homage to the Buddha’s relics and his disciples’ relics on February 24, which coincides with Makha Bucha Day, the second-most important Buddhist event after Vesak. It commemorates a gathering of the Buddha and 1,250 of his first disciples, who established the practice of monks reciting discipline on a daily basis.
He said that the holy Buddha’s relic would be enshrined temporarily in all parts of the country, starting in Bangkok followed by Chiang Mai in the North, Ubon Ratchathani in the Northeast, and Krabi in the South.
Dr.Pakpilai Thavisin, wife of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, pays homage to the Lord Buddha and two Venerable Disciples, which were enshrined in Sanam Luang, Bangkok, on February 23, 2024.
Lekha Shankar, a freelance journalist, revealed information on this event: Lord Buddha’s relics come from the National Museum in New Delhi, and the two disciples’ relics come from the Sanchi stupa in India. They arrived in Bangkok on Thursday, February 22, accompanied by a high-level delegation from India.
Thai Minister of Culture Sermsak Pongpanich stated that it was a ‘huge privilege’ for the Buddhists of Thailand and the neighbouring countries, to partake in this grand and spectacular event. Large groups of Buddhists are expected to come to Thailand from the neighbouring countries of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
Lord Buddha’s relics and that of his two main disciples have been enshrined at Sanam Luang, Bangkok.
Dr. Supachai Verapuchong, Secretary General of the organising Bodhgaya Vijjjalaya 980 Institute, stated that the important event would truly spread Buddha’s Dhamma through all the Mekong countries.
Indian Ambassador to Thailand HE Nagesh Singh described it as a ‘Landmark event’ in the bilateral relations between the two countries, as the relics rarely travelled outside India.
“I hope the relics will bless both our countries” he added.
There will be prayers, chantings, and finally a candle-lit procession by Buddhist monks and religious groups from Friday, February 25, until Sunday, March 3.
The public is allowed to pay homage to the Holy Relics every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Sanam Luang in Bangkok until March 3. From Bangkok, the Holy Relics will go to Chiang Mai from March 5–8 (Kum Luang, Royal Park Rajapruek), then to Ubon Ratchathani from March 10–13 (Wat Mahawanaram), and finally to Krabi from March 15–18 (Wat Maha That Wachiramongkol).
“Here is a rare and amazing opportunity for all Buddhists and other believers, to have a ‘Darshan’ of the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha, 2,500 years after he passed away,” he stated.
Phuket Tourist Police visited the British visitor who had been stabbed at Wachira Phuket on February 22, 2024.
PHUKET – On 23 February 2024, Phuket Tourist Police reported that they are still waiting for a statement from a British tourist who was stabbed by a ladyboy during an argument.
The tourist, Mr. Joseph, 24, from Bristol, England, is still recovering at Vachira Phuket Hospital from a stab wound to his ribs sustained in the early hours of February 22.
According to the three ladyboys involved in the incident, the argument took place at the Kata Ocean View Condominium in Karon, Phuket. Mr. Joseph had contacted the ladyboys from Patong Beach and agreed to pay them 4,000 baht each for their services.
The ladyboys arrived to see friends who were involved in the argument.
When the three ladyboys arrived at the apartment, Mr. Joseph gave one of them 2,000 baht and asked the other two to leave. This led to an argument, during which a fight broke out over the ladyboys’ purses and objects were thrown across the room.
The ladyboys claimed that Mr. Joseph physically attacked them, so one of them grabbed a kitchen knife in self-defense. Mr. Joseph was then stabbed, while one of the ladyboys suffered a head wound and a cut on his arm. She was taken to Chalong Hospital for stitches, while the other two transgender women, who suffered only minor injuries, were taken to Karon Police Station for questioning.
Initially, Barbie, a 19-year-old ladyboy who stabbed the British man, was charged by Karon Police with “assaulting others to the point of causing physical or mental harm to others.”
All of them requested justice from the police, saying that they had also been attacked, with wounds and medical records verifying
The policewoman inspects a significant number of items that Ms. Mi had been selling online.
SAMUT SAKORN – Immigration police in Samut Sakhon province arrested a Burmese online female seller for live streaming evaded goods.
The Immigration Bureau announced on Thursday that they apprehended a 36-year-old Burmese woman named Ms. Mi on the grounds of being a foreigner working beyond what is permitted, helping to conceal something, helping to sell something, helping to take something, helping to buy, pawn or in any way obtain something that he knows to be goods imported into the Kingdom without going through customs procedures.
Police raided Ms. Mi’s home in Samut Sakhon’s Mahachai district after receiving information that she had been selling tax-evaded goods via livestreams and posts on Facebook.
Inside the house, the police found 200 items of goods, including dietary supplements, vitamins, and sprays to increase potency. None of the products had a Thai label or FDA approval.
The Immigration Bureau announced on February 22, 2024 that they apprehended a 36-year-old Burmese woman named Ms. Mi on the grounds of being a foreigner working beyond what is permitted.
Ms. Mi’s work permit only allowed her to work as a labourer, but she had been illegally selling goods online. She was arrested and taken to Mahachai Police Station for further investigation.
The Samut Sakhon Province is home to Thailand’s biggest fishing and seafood processing port market and to the world’s largest seafood processing industry which attract many migrant workers.
According to the Samut Sakhon Provincial Labour Office, there are 331,666 legal migrant workers in Samut Sakhon in January 2024, of this 297,187 workers from Myanmar.
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential buildings and a mosque in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Israeli strikes have killed at least 71 people in southern and central Gaza during roughly the past 24 hours, the territory’s health officials said Thursday.
And tensions are rising in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where three gunmen opened fire Thursday morning on a road near a checkpoint, killing one Israeli and wounding at least five, police said. Two of the attackers were killed. A third was found later and detained.
In a small sign of progress amid ongoing international efforts to broker a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, said Thursday that Israel “will expand the authority” of its hostage negotiators. But the prospect of an Israeli offensive into southernmost Gaza city of Rafah.
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike on residential buildings and a mosque in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Israel’s war in Gaza has driven some 80% of the territory’s 2.3 million people from their homes. Most heeded Israeli orders to flee south and around 1.5 million are packed into Rafah near the border with Egypt.
Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed.
The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. About a fourth of some 130 captives still being held are believed to be dead. Israel has laid waste to much of the Palestinian territory in response.
ATTACKERS OPEN FIRE ON A BUSY WEST BANK CHECKPOINT, LEAVING 1 DEAD AND AT LEAST 5 WOUNDED
TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli police said one Israeli was killed and five wounded after three gunmen opened fire on cars near a checkpoint in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Thursday.
Police said the gunmen took advantage of the traffic jam during the morning rush-hour on the main highway east of Jerusalem, opening fire with automatic weapons at several cars.
Security forces on the scene, including a policeman on his way to work, killed two of the gunmen. The third fled but was soon apprehended by police and detained after being wounded. The police said the gunmen were from the Bethlehem area.
The killed Israeli was a 20-year-old man. Five others were wounded, including a pregnant woman in her 20s who was in critical but stable condition, according to health officials.
There have been a number of shooting attacks against Israeli civilians since the war began in Gaza, including a shooting and car ramming attack in a suburb north of Tel Aviv last month that killed one person and injured 12.
Israeli security forces examine the scene of a shooting attack near the West Bank settlement of Maale Adumim, Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, visited the scene and called for more checkpoints and restrictions on Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as more weapons for Israeli civilians.
“We are distributing more and more guns, there were some people who criticized me on this policy half a year ago, I think that today everyone understands that guns save lives,” he said.
Hamas in a statement praised the attack as a “natural response” to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and raids in the West Bank, and called for more attacks until they can achieve a “fully sovereign” Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
The militant group did not claim responsibility for the attack.
Tensions are also high ahead of Ramadan, which is expected to start March 10 and which has in the past seen surging violence.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION WARNS THAT DISEASE IN GAZA COULD KILL MORE PEOPLE THAN THE WAR ITSELF
CAIRO — The continuous outbreak of infectious diseases in the Gaza Strip may ultimately cause more deaths among Palestinians than the ongoing Israeli military operations, a senior World Health Organization warned on Thursday.
“Infectious disease is a major concern for us in Gaza,” Richard Brennan, regional emergency director at the U.N. health agency, told reporters in Cairo. “WHO estimates that if we did have severe outbreaks of diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections and so on, there could potentially be more deaths due to disease outbreak than due to trauma.”
So far, WHO has confirmed 200,000 cases of diarrheal diseases, an increase of more than 20% compared to last year, Brennan said.
WHO also confirmed a hepatitis A outbreak with around 8,000 cases, and another 200,000 respiratory infections, he added, blaming the situation on poor sanitation, lack of access to clean water, and overcrowding in areas where displaced civilians have fled the conflict. Some 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes.
“The risk remains for other disease outbreaks. We are certainly not out of the woods at this stage,” Brennan said, stressing his agency’s fear of a potential outbreak of dysentery as doctors are seeing more cases of bloody diarrhea.
Only 13 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functioning, according to WHO. Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed.
ISRAEL’S CEASE-FIRE NEGOTIATORS ARE GETTING EXPANDED AUTHORITY IN HOSTAGE RELEASE TALKS
JERUSALEM — Israel’s defense minister says Israel “will expand the authority” of its hostage negotiators.
The comments by Yoav Gallant signal a small sign of progress in ongoing international efforts to broker a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Late Wednesday, Benny Gantz, who sits on Israel’s War Cabinet with Gallant and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirmed that new cease-fire efforts were underway and said there were small hopes for moving forward. But Gantz repeated his stance that Israel will invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah if there isn’t a hostage deal by the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Gallant spoke during a meeting with Brett McGurk, a senior U.S. envoy who is in the region working on cease-fire efforts.
“We will expand the authority given to our hostage negotiators,” he said.
At the same time, he said the Israeli army is “preparing the continuation of intense ground operations.”
Israel is seeking the release of the more than 100 hostages Hamas is holding in Gaza. Hamas wants an end to the Israeli offensive, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
In this undated photo, police inspect a bar during an operation against illegal employment.
BANGKOK — Seven foreigners were arrested when authorities raided bars and entertainment venues in 25 areas nationwide, police said Thursday.
Deputy immigration commissioner Phanthana Nuchanart said four Laotians and three Cambodians were arrested in an operation against illegal employment in the country’s western, central, and eastern provinces. They were charged with illegal entry and working without a legal work permit.
Four Thais were also arrested for hiring illegal migrant workers, assisting illegal entry, and operating entertainment venues without a license, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanthana said.
PRACHUAB KIRI KHAN – Admiral Adoong Pan-iam, Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, observed the operation of searching and decommissioning hazardous materials on HTMS Sukhothai on the first day of operation on February 22 in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
According to a press release from the Royal Thai Army, Admiral Adoong began an observation of hazardous materials operations on HTMS Sukhothai at 09:15 a.m. onboard the Ocean Valour vessel in the Gulf of Thailand, near the location where HTMS Sukhothai was reported missing, in the Bang Saphan District.
The Royal Thai Navy’s Commander in Chief, Admiral Adoong Pan-iam, observed the HTMS Sukhothai search operation on February 22, 2024, in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
He travelled by helicopter to HTMS Angthong, where he was welcomed and accompanied by Admiral Chatchai Thongsaard, commander of the Royal Thai Fleet and CAPT Hugh Winkel US Naval Attaché to Thailand and Chief of Attaché Operations.
They observed the operations on the Ocean Valor, which is the main operational vessel for the search and decommission hazardous materials of HTMS Sukhothai.
This provided an opportunity for Admiral Adoong to greet the naval personnel and officers from the United States Navy participating in this mission, closely observing their operations from preparation to underwater tasks.
Subsequently, the Commander of the United States Navy’s diving unit demonstrated the communication system and displayed images from the underwater team’s control room. Upon completion of the visit, Admiral Adoong and his team returned to the HTMS Angthong for media interviews regarding this collaborative mission between the Royal Thai Navy and the United States Navy, expressing gratitude to the latter for their assistance in this operation.
The visit to observe the operations on the Ocean Valor showcased the challenges involved, from transporting diving equipment from Hawaii to Singapore and then to the dive site, all without any cost, highlighting the enduring friendship between the two navies, committed to the successful and safe execution of this mission.
Regarding the current mission, it will involve inspecting the vessel to capture external and internal photographs of the vessel, to be utilized for the investigation the cause of the shipwreck incident and searching for missing persons, including external and internal vessel inspection and search operations, estimated to take approximately five days before transitioning to recovery of weapons and disposal of hazardous materials over the next 14 days.
Along with retrieving any items of sentimental value for the naval personnel, Admiral Adoong Pan-iam announced that the first item to be retrieved from HTMS Sukhothai will be its nameplate.
This operation is emblematic of the long-term friendship between the U.S. and Thai navies which are committed to conducting a safe and thorough salvage. The recordings of the inside and outside of the HTMS Sukhothai, in particularly, will be used along with previous investigations to find the real cause of its sinking.
