At Least 7 Die When The Dome Gym In School Collapses

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23 May 2023, 00:18

A whirlwind blew down the dome roof of the gymnasium of Wat Noen Po School, Moo 1, Noen Po Sub-district, Sam Ngam District, Phichit Province, collapsing onto students, parents, and school staff who had come to seek shelter from the rainstorm at around 6:40 p.m. on Monday, May 22.

A 59-year-old student parent, and a 39-year-old janitor were killed instantly, while many were injured.

Later, four more pupils died in the hospital, as did one more parent, for a total of seven deaths, while 23 injured students were transported to the district hospital. District Hospitals of Vajirabaramee and Sam Ngam.

It was difficult to mobilise officials to assist. because there are broken branches impeding travel routes, including power disruptions in a wide area.

Thailand’s Victorious Progressive Move Forward Party, 7 Allies Agree On Coalition Platform

By

Associated Press

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22 May 2023, 23:45

Thailand Politics — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, left, waves after signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government between Move Forward Party and other parties during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 22, 2023. Move Forward won the most seats in the May 14 election, and it has formed a coalition that seeks to become the government when Parliament selects a prime minister in July. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

by JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI — Thailand’s opposition Move Forward Party. the top vote-getter in last week’s national election, signed an agreement with seven other parties on Monday on a joint platform they hope will lead to the formation of a coalition government in July.

The 23-point agreement sidesteps several volatile issues while seeking to preserve most of the agenda that brought the progressive Move Forward Party its stunning May 14 victory, in which it captured 152 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives by promoting change after nine years of conservative army-backed rule.

The most contentious issue, amendment of a harsh law against criticizing the monarchy, was not included in the pact.

AP23142463377496 — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, left, and leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew shake hands before signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

That proposal had been part of Move Forward’s campaign platform, and many younger Thais would like to see it considered along with other democratic reforms. However, the monarchy is considered a pillar of Thai national identity and conservatives oppose any changes to the law, which provides for penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

Some of the eight parties did not want to be associated with even mild calls for reform of the law.

The pact says, “All parties agree that every mission that the government will do must not affect the country’s status as a unitary state, the country’s status as a democracy under a constitutional monarchy framework, and the inviolable status of the monarch.”

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat said the negotiations were “fruitful, comprehensive, and a good start.”

AP23142435624599 — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, center left, and Leader of Pheu Thai party Chonlanan Srikaew, center right, hold a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government between Move Forward Party and other parties during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

“I’m prime minister-elect and there are several roadblocks as you understand it, but we have a strong team to manage it, and hopefully, to be able to minimize risk and minimize the destabilizing factors that have affected the economy.”

The electorate’s mood for change was underlined by the second-place finish by the opposition Pheu Thai party, a longtime antagonist of the army whose last government was ousted by a military coup in 2014.

The eight parties signed the agreement at a news conference on Monday, exactly nine years after current Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha seized power as army chief in the coup.

Monday’s agreement includes several of Move Forward’s core policies, such as drafting a new more democratic constitution, passing a same-sex marriage law, decentralizing administrative power and transitioning from military conscription to voluntary enlistment “except when the country is at war.”

AP23142443793342 — Leader Prachachat party Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, left, shakes hands with Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat after signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

It also calls for reforms of the police, military, civil service and the justice process, abolition of business monopolies, and the restoration of controls on the production and sale of marijuana after its poorly executed de facto decriminalization last year.

The eight-party coalition controls 313 seats in the lower house, a strong majority, but that is not enough to assure it can take power. Under the military-drafted constitution, the prime minister is selected by a joint vote of the lower house and the Senate, whose 250 members were appointed by the post-coup military government. That means the winning candidate needs at least 376 votes and will almost certainly need some support from the Senate, a solidly conservative royalist body.

Several of the points in Monday’s agreement required fine-tuning.

It calls for a “Marriage Equality Act to ensure equal rights for all couples, regardless of gender,” but adds the qualification that it should be done “without infringing upon the religious principles each individual adheres to.” The wording is seen as important for the support of the nine-seat Prachachat Party, whose base is socially conservative Muslims in southern Thailand.

AP23142449272069 scaled — Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, left, waves after signing a memorandum of understanding on attempt to form a coalition government during a news conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Monday, May 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Prachachat’s concerns are also singled out in the clause on monopolies, which targets the highly protected big producers of alcoholic beverages.

“Abolish monopolies and promote fair competition in all industries, such as alcoholic beverages, with Prachachat Party reserving their right to disagree on the alcohol industry only, due to religious reasons.” it says.

The pact includes a section on general principles which says that “All parties have the right to advocate for additional policies as long as they do not contradict the policies outlined in this agreement.”

Memorandum of Understanding for the Formation of a Government

By

Khaosod English

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22 May 2023, 18:48

Eight party leaders signed a coalition-formation MOU after 5 p.m. Monday, May 22, 2023. Here is all the detail:

This joint memorandum of understanding is made to establish the foundation for the formation of a government and to work together among Move Forward Party, Pheu Thai Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Prachachart Party, Seree Ruam Thai Party, Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party, FAIR Party, and Plung Sungkom Mai Party.

All parties agree that every mission that the government will do must not affect the country’s status as a unitary state, the country’s status as a democracy under a constitutional monarchy framework, and the inviolable status of the monarch. All parties agree to work together on the following government tasks:

1. Restore democracy, including expediting the process of drafting a new constitution by
the Constitution Drafting Assembly elected directly by the people.
2. Affirm and pass Marriage Equality Act to ensure equal rights for all couples, regardless of
gender, without infringing upon the religious principles each individual adheres to.
3. Push for reforms in the civil servant, police, military, and justice process to be in line
with democratic principles, considering transparency, modernity, efficiency, and
maximizing the benefits for the people.
4. Transition from conscription to voluntary enlistment, except when the country is at war.
5. Collaborate on the process of building sustainable peace in the southern border provinces, considering human rights, coexistence in a multicultural society, participation
of all sectors, and reviewing the missions of agencies and laws related to security.

6. Strive for decentralization of power and budget allocation to enable localities to
respond to the needs of their communities appropriately, efficiently, and without
corruption.
7. Combat corruption through the establishment of a transparent and open government
system, disclosing state information in all agencies.
8. Revive the economy by increasing people’s incomes, reducing inequality, and creating a
fair economic system that promote growth.
9. Overhaul laws regarding the people’s livelihood and subsistence, such as temporarily
suspending or reducing unnecessary and obstructive permits, providing financial relief
and support for SMEs, while focusing on the GDP growth of SMEs, supporting industries,
and strengthening Thai products to compete globally.
10. Abolish monopolies and promote fair competition in all industries, such as alcoholic
beverages, with Prachachart Party reserving their right to disagree on the alcohol industry
only, due to religious reasons.

11. Reform the land distribution system by amending related laws, providing fair land
distribution, resolving conflicts between state and people on land ownership, and
reviewing cases resulting from the policy of forest reclamation.
12. Improve the electricity production structure, pricing calculations, and appropriate
production capacity to reduce the cost of living and ensure energy security.
13. Establish a new budgeting system, emphasizing the use of zero-based budgeting.
14. Create a comprehensive welfare system from birth to old age, considering
appropriateness and long-term fiscal sustainability.
15. Combat drug problems urgently.
16. Reclassify marijuana as a controlled substance via issuing Ministry of Health’s Notification,
with new laws regulating and supporting its beneficial uses.
17. Promote safe agriculture and livestock farming, protect and maintain the benefits of
farmers, and reduce production costs. Support marketing, access to technology, water
resources. Encourage the formation of agricultural groups for production planning,
protection of farmers’ benefit, and promotion of agro-processing industries to create
economic value from agricultural production.
18. Revise fisheries laws, eliminate obstacles, remedy and develop sustainable fishing
occupations.
19. Improve the rights of workers in all professions by ensuring fair employment conditions
and remuneration that align with the cost of living and economic growth.

20. Elevate the healthcare system to ensure that the general public has access to quality
healthcare services in terms of health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and
recovery.
21. Reform educational system to enhance quality, reduce inequality, and promote lifelong
learning.
22. Foster domestic and international cooperation and mechanisms to address pollution
issues, including the reduction of net greenhouse gas emissions to net zero as quickly as
possible.
23. Implement foreign policy initiatives to restore Thailand’s leadership role in ASEAN and
maintain a balanced international relations between Thailand and major powers.

All parties agree to collaborate on the following principles for national governance:

1. All parties shall protect the rights of citizens and their civil liberties.
2. All parties shall work with honesty and integrity. Any party member engaged in corrupt
behavior shall be immediately removed from their position.
3. All parties shall genuinely respect and support one another, promote teamwork, and
consider the public’s interests as their priority, rather than the interests of any specific
party.
4. All parties have the right to advocate for additional policies as long as they do not
contradict the policies outlined in this agreement, through the executive power wielded
by the ministers representing their respective parties in the government.
5. All parties have the right to advocate for additional policies as long as they do not
contradict the policies outlined in this agreement, through the legislative power of the
representatives from each political party.

All parties hereby express their agreement to the above statements by signing below

Mr.Pita Limjaroenrat, Leader of Move Forward Party
Mr. Chonlanan Srikaew, Leader of Pheu Thai Party
Mr. Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, Leader of Prachachart Party
Khun Ying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Leader of Thai Sang Thai Party
Mr. Wasawat Poungponsri, Leader of Pheu Thai Ruam Palang Party
Police General Sereepisuth Temeeyaves, Leader of Seree Ruam Thai Party
Mr. Pitipong Temcharoen, Leader of FAIR Party
Mr. Chaowarit Kajornpongkirati, Leader of Plung Sungkom Mai Party.

Fire Destroys Main Post Office in Philippine Capital, a Nearly 100-Year-Old Neoclassical Landmark

By

Associated Press

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22 May 2023, 17:23

Philippines Post Office Fire — Smoke billows from the still smoldering Manila Central Post Office as a fire hits early Monday, May 22, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, slightly injuring one person and razing the nearly 100-year-old landmark in the Philippine capital, police and postal officials said Monday.

The fire started before midnight in the basement of the neoclassical, five-story building and was brought under control Monday morning more than seven hours after it began, firefighters said.

AP23142170941644 — Smoke billows from the still smoldering Manila Central Post Office as a fire hits early Monday, May 22, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, police and postal officials said Monday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the fire and what was damaged, officials said.

The Manila Central Post Office was one of the capital’s busiest office buildings but was closed when the fire started. The building was the country’s main mail-sorting and distribution hub and was the central office for the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Postal service in the Philippines began during the Spanish colonial period with horse-riding mail couriers.

The building, now recognized as a national landmark, was built in 1926 with high columns in the traditional neoclassical style. It was severely damaged during World War II and was rebuilt in 1946.

It is located along the Pasig River and on a main intersection of the capital’s key roads.

AP23142173500597 — A statue of a postman is enveloped in smoke in front of the Manila Central Post Office as it caught fire early Monday, May 22, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, police and postal officials said Monday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

AP23142171035307 — Smoke billows from the still smoldering Manila Central Post Office as a fire hits early Monday, May 22, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, police and postal officials said Monday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

AP23142171000651 — Smoke billows from the still smoldering Manila Central Post Office as a fire hits early Monday, May 22, 2023 in Manila, Philippines. A massive fire tore through Manila’s historic post office building overnight, police and postal officials said Monday. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Foreign Investors Dump Thai Stocks Amid Political Polarity Shifts

By

Khaosod English

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22 May 2023, 17:19

The Thai stock market opened Monday morning with a price drop from 1,500 points, despite the MOU signing ceremony to form a government to be held today at the Conrad Hotel in Bangkok.

This government formation led by Move Forwrad leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who is also considered a candidate for prime minister. The signing ceremony on May 22 at 4.30 p.m. took place at the same time that Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha announced the coup 9 years ago.

Although the market rallied back 14 points higher in the afternoon from purchasing back major stocks (BiG Cap) led by CPALL, AOT, and GULF as the market relieved concerns over the government’s setup following the MOU signing news conference, there is no change to Section 112 in the MOU’s terms.

Uncertainties in the stock market remain high.

In the five days following the election on May 14, foreign investors sold Thai shares worth a total of 12 billion Baht. Furthermore, sales since the start of the year total 80 billion Baht. According to analysts, international investors are still concerned about the formation of the government.

Niwet Hemwachirawarakorn, a value investment expert at the Thai Value Investor Association, said elections have been held in Thailand and a new government with different policies than in the past is in the offing. However, it seems that investors have not reacted well to this.

Niwet said that the Thai index has actually not gone up in the last 10 years. In his opinion, it could be called the “lost decade.”

The situation is similar to that in Japan 20 years ago. At that time, Japanese society began to age rapidly, creativity began to wane and the creativity of “youth” replaced the old commodity and service industries. Japanese society and people who are more “conservative” could not keep up with this pace.

It was only in the last 10 years that Japanese stocks did exceptionally well, especially after the then-still-young Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who stimulated the long-hibernating economy.

For Thailand, however, Niwet added that the future will show in the next 2-3 months after the government is formed or in the next 1-2 years whether the policy will respond well to the country’s economic growth or not.

Niwet said those who will be in charge of the country should look at the stock market index as a sign that what they will do will affect the country positively or negatively in the long run.

He added that the stock market is not a niche sector as this market is the centre of people who do the economic activities that can predict the country’s economy. When the stock market goes up, it means that policies are going in the right direction and vice versa.

Yasothon Rocket Festival Returns At Beginning of Rainy Season

By

Khaosod English

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22 May 2023, 16:48

“The magic of the Bun Bang Fai Festival, Yos Sunthon, and Yasothon” is still a tourist favourite. After a three-year hiatus, it held at Phaya Thaen Public Park, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Yasothon Province, this time.

On Sunday, Yasothon’s Bun Bang Fai Festival 2023 came to its close. There was a race to launch 38 rockets into the sky and more than 20 light and sound rockets. The organisers begin lighting the rockets at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 5:00 p.m., allowing Thai and international tourists to observe the event throughout the day.

The Bun Bang Fai Festival, according to Mr. Natthaphon Naksuk, Mayor of Yasothon Municipality, is another festival according to the Isan way of life and an important tradition of Yasothon province, with the belief that when the farming season begins, people must have a ceremony to light rockets up to pay homage to Phaya Tan to inspire the rain to fall according to the season.

According to NECTEC, Rocket festival or “Boon Bang Fai” in Thai is usually held in the second week of May of each year, at the beginning of the rainy season. The farmers are ready to cultivate their paddy fields. The festival is popularly celebrated in the northeastern provinces of Yasothorn and Ubon Ratchathani. The celebration is an entreaty to the rain god for plentiful rains during the coming rice planting season.

The festival itself owes its beginning to a legend that a rain god named
Vassakan was known for his fascination of being worshipped with fire. To receive plentiful rains for rice cultivation, the farmers send the home-made rockets to the heaven where the god resided. The festival has been carried out till days.

An average rocket is some nine metres in length and carries 20-25 kilogrammes of gunpowder. Before ignition of the rockets, there will be more singing and dancing to celebrate the festival.

The climax of the festival is the ignition time. One by one the rockets are fired from the launching platforms. Each liftoff is greeted by cheers and noisy music. The rocket that reaches the greatest height is the winner.

MARRIOTT BONVOY INVITES CORPORATE TRAVELERS TO SPARK CONNECTIONS ACROSS ASIA PACIFIC

By

Contributor

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22 May 2023, 14:22

Singapore, May 2023 – Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands and award-winning loyalty program, is inviting corporate travelers to reconnect with each other, create special moments and build memories through its latest campaign, “Spark This Moment”.

“We’ve seen a strong uptake in MICE bookings, indicating a deepened desire for human connection and face-to-face meetings since the easing of pandemic restrictions,” said Ramesh Daryanani, Vice President of Global Sales, Asia Pacific. “With our diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts across the region, we’re able to deliver a wide range of offerings to meeting planners and corporate travelers to suit their needs, inspiring more meaningful connections and memorable moments”.

To empower and meet the evolving needs of meeting planners and corporate travelers, the new campaign highlights how guests can best maximize their meeting experience when booking with us:

Success – New ideas flow when people come together. Equipped with innovative and high-tech event spaces suitable for gatherings of all sizes, Marriott’s team of on-site event experts take care of planning and execution, so guests can put their minds at ease and focus on connecting and creating new ideas.
Passion – Discover the wonders to be found. With more than 1,000 hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific, guests can expect unforgettable experiences that showcase the unique local heritage and culture of their destination.
Appreciation – Gather to share delicacies and good times. Good food never fails to bring people together, especially in Asia. Marriott Bonvoy delivers gourmet excellence with its portfolio of world-class restaurants and bars, for a multitude of distinct culinary experiences. Guests can indulge in culinary finesse across 26 Michelin stars in 21 restaurants in Asia Pacific.
Appreciation – Gather to share delicacies and good times. Good food never fails to bring people together, especially in Asia. Marriott Bonvoy delivers gourmet excellence with its portfolio of world-class restaurants and bars, for a multitude of distinct culinary experiences. Guests can indulge in culinary finesse across 26 Michelin stars in 21 restaurants in Asia Pacific.
Relationships – Meeting face-to-face and creating new stories. Marriott Bonvoy’s wide array of offsite meetings and corporate retreats help meeting planners and business travelers cultivate purposeful experiences, build relationships, and connect with each other.
Kindness – Together, we can make the world a better place. Available in close to 100 hotels in Asia Pacific, Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy™ responds to a growing demand for purpose-driven travel, offering guests the refreshing opportunity to create a positive impact and form deeper connections with the local communities.

Eligible bookings of meeting or events with Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of participating properties in Asia Pacific offers great rewards including Double Marriott Bonvoy Points, Group Perks and more. For eligibility:

China: Book by 15 September 2023, for stays up to 30 September 2023
Rest of Asia Pacific: Book by 30 September 2023, for stays up to 31 December 2023

For more information about the campaign, please visit https://go.marriott-promotions.com/spark-this-moment.

Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi Makes Debut at ACCR Czech Formula

By

Khaosod English

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22 May 2023, 12:29

Rising star Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi, 16, helped his PHM Racing team to secure top two positions after the first race of the ACCR Czech Formula Championship at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria on Saturday.

In his first appearance at the championship, the 16-year-old racer crossed the finish line in second place,. PHM Racing reigned supreme by dominating the top two positions at the 4.318-km circuit.

Making his debut at the championship, the 16-year-old sensation showcased his remarkable talent by crossing the finish line in an impressive second place, 4.182 minutes behind his teammate James Egozi of the United States. The PHM Racing team established its dominance by securing the coveted top two spots, leaving their competitors trailing behind at the 4.318-kilometer circuit.

Nandhavudh, who displayed impressive speed and precision during the qualifying round with a time of one minute and 32.121 seconds, began the race from the third position on the grid. However, due to the rainy weather conditions, the start of this exciting new event in the Central and Eastern Europe region had to be initiated with safety cars leading the pack.

Behind the wheel of his No. 57 car, the talented Thai teenager made a strong start and wasted no time in making his way up the ranks, swiftly maneuvering to secure the third position. Within a span of 25 minutes, he displayed his exceptional driving skills, propelling himself into a commendable second place, trailing closely behind the American racer.

M01 — 16-year-old prodigy Nandhavud Bhirombhakdi leads PHM Racing Team to a remarkable one-two finish in the opening race of the ACCR Czech Formula Championship at Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria.

James Egozi, a remarkable 15-year-old competitor driving car No. 48, had a commanding start as he began the race from the pole position. Throughout the duration of the gripping 16-lap race, Egozi skillfully maintained his lead from start to finish, demonstrating his prowess on the track.

Completing the podium was Reno Francot of the Netherlands, representing Jenzer Motorsport, who secured the third position, finishing a mere 0.584 seconds behind Nandhavudh. Francot exhibited tremendous effort, closing in on the Thai driver in the latter stages of the race. However, the Thai remained composed under pressure, skillfully defending his position until the checkered flag.

Ethan Ischer, also from Jenzer Motorsport and hailing from Switzerland, had a challenging race, settling for a sixth-place finish. Despite not performing at his peak, Ischer maintained his position at the top of the Championship standings with an impressive 60 points, owing to his previous victories in the Hungarian circuit.

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Speedboat Driver Charged With Injuring 37 Tourists In Phuket

By

Khaosod English

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22 May 2023, 11:58

The driver of the speedboat that collided with a lighthouse in the middle of the sea in Chalong Bay, Phuket Province, injuring 37 tourists, mainly Russians, on May 17, 2023, was charged.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sermphan Sirikong stated that after questioning 19 witnesses, all of them provided the same information: the boat driver acted recklessly.

As a result, the driver was charged under Sections 300 and 390 for acting negligently and causing injury to others, which carries a maximum punishment of three years in prison and a fine of 60,000 baht. The Phuket District Court has jurisdiction over this.

On May 22, Pol. Lt. Col. Khun Somrak, the investigating inspector of Chalong Police Station in Phuket Province, disclosed that the physical examination findings of Mr. Satit Matchai, the boat driver, 29, identified narcotics such as methamphetamine not alcohol. As a result, the police document it as evidence before sending the case file to the prosecutor for presentation in court.

The A Time Nature Tour’s speedboat drove from Phi Phi Island to Chalong Bay, around 100 metres from Chalong Pier. The boat skidded and collided with a lighthouse. The officers acted quickly to transport the injured tourists to hospitals.

According to Phuket Governor Narong Wunsiew, 37 tourists were hurt, including four Thais, 21 Russians, nine Kazakhstans, one Hong Kong, one Chinese, and one Ukrainian. There are still 16 individuals in hospitals, 11 of whom are at Vachira Phuket Hospital. There were three at Mission Hospital, one at Dibuk Hospital, and one at Bangkok Hospital.

During this time, Phuket immigration officers visited foreign visitors who were hospitalised to assist them in extending their visas. If further treatment is required, the hospital should directly notify the Phuket Immigration Office.

The speedboat involved in the collision had the Medical Treatment Protection Act, which is worth 15,000 baht per person, and the victims also bought accident insurance from a reputable insurance provider. For coverage of medical expenses in case of injury, an additional 500,000 baht will be paid per individual.

Spacex Sends Saudi Astronauts, Including Nation’s 1st Woman In Space, To International Space Station

By

Associated Press

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22 May 2023, 10:06

SpaceX Crew Launch — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon capsule and a crew of four private astronauts, lifts off from Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Saudi Arabia’s first astronauts in decades rocketed toward the International Space Station on a chartered multimillion-dollar flight Sunday.

SpaceX launched the ticket-holding crew, led by a retired NASA astronaut now working for the company that arranged the trip from Kennedy Space Center. Also on board: a U.S. businessman who now owns a sports car racing team.

The four should reach the space station in their capsule Monday morning; they’ll spend just over a week there before returning home with a splashdown off the Florida coast.

AP23141649837449 — The crew of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Crew Dragon spacecraft, from left, Saudi Arabian astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi, commandeer Peggy Whitson, pilot John Shoffner and Saudi Arabian astronaut Ali al-Qarni arrive at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., before their launch to the International Space Station, Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Sponsored by the Saudi Arabian government, Rayyanah Barnawi, a stem cell researcher, became the first woman from the kingdom to go to space. She was joined by Ali al-Qarni, a fighter pilot with the Royal Saudi Air Force.

They’re the first from their country to ride a rocket since a Saudi prince launched aboard shuttle Discovery in 1985. In a quirk of timing, they’ll be greeted at the station by an astronaut from the United Arab Emirates.

AP23142569759255 — In this image from NASA TV, top row from left, Ali al-Qarni, John Shoffner, Rayyanah Barnawi, and Peggy Whitson, pose for a picture with current residents of the International Space Station, Monday, May 22, 2023. The space station rolled out the welcome mat for the two Saudi visitors, including the kingdom’s first female astronaut. (NASA TV via AP)

“Hello from outer space! It feels amazing to be viewing Earth from this capsule,” Barnawi said after settling into orbit.

Added al-Qarni: “As I look outside into space, I can’t help but think this is just the beginning of a great journey for all of us.”

AP23141660254413 — Saudi Arabian astronaut Ali al-Qarni greets family and friends as he arrives at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., for a scheduled launch Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Rounding out the visiting crew: Knoxville, Tennessee’s John Shoffner, former driver and owner of a sports car racing team that competes in Europe, and chaperone Peggy Whitson, the station’s first female commander who holds the U.S. record for most accumulated time in space: 665 days and counting.

“It was a phenomenal ride,” Whitson said after reaching orbit. Her crewmates clapped their hands in joy.

AP23141657365450 — Saudi Arabian astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi waves to family and friends as she arrives at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., for a scheduled launch Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

It’s the second private flight to the space station organized by Houston-based Axiom Space. The first was last year by three businessmen, with another retired NASA astronaut. The company plans to start adding its own rooms to the station in another few years, eventually removing them to form a stand-alone outpost available for hire.

Axiom won’t say how much Shoffner and Saudi Arabia are paying for the planned 10-day mission. The company had previously cited a ticket price of $55 million each.

NASA’s latest price list shows per-person, per-day charges of $2,000 for food and up to $1,500 for sleeping bags and other gear. Need to get your stuff to the space station in advance? Figure roughly $10,000 per pound ($20,000 per kilogram), the same fee for trashing it afterward. Need your items back intact? Double the price.

At least the email and video links are free.

AP23142009052995 — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with the Dragon capsule and a crew of four private astronauts, lifts off from Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sunday, May 21, 2023. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

The guests will have access to most of the station as they conduct experiments, photograph Earth and chat with schoolchildren back home, demonstrating how kites fly in space when attached to a fan.

After decades of shunning space tourism, NASA now embraces it with two private missions planned a year. The Russian Space Agency has been doing it, off and on, for decades.

“Our job is to expand what we do in low-Earth orbit across the globe,” said NASA’s space station program manager Joel Montalbano.

SpaceX’s first-stage booster landed back at Cape Canaveral eight minutes after liftoff — a special treat for the launch day crowd, which included about 60 Saudis. “It was a very, very exciting day,” said Axiom’s Matt Ondler.

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MARCIA DUNN reported from CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida.

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