Steel samples at building collapse site sent for testing

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Government to obtain material slabs for screening amid questions about standards

PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 15: 06

Officials inspect the site of the collapsed State Audit Office building in Chatuchak district of Bangkok on Friday, as excavators and heavy machinery begin removing concrete debris to clear the way for further search operations. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Authorities inspect the site of the fell State Audit Office building in Chatuchak city of Bangkok on Friday, as tractors and heavy machinery started removing material debris to clear the way for further research operations. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

Two government organizations have collected samples of different styles of metal plates from the page of the collapsed&nbsp, State Audit Office building in Bangkok and sent them for laboratory tests to check whether they met requirements.

Soldiers from the Northern Police Forensic Science Division and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Town Planning simultaneously collected random specimens from Zones A, B, C and D at the page in Chatuchak area. They have been sent to the Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand for laboratory testing, said Pol Maj Gen Vathee Assawuttamangkul, captain of the officers criminal system.

The under-construction 30-storey tower was the only high-rise in Bangkok to decline after the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28.

The Institute earlier conducted assessments on tests of two different sizes of metal plates collected from the page, and said they were not up to standard.

The material in problem was traced to a Chinese-owned shop in Rayong that had been shuttered since January for another violations, officials said.

The two companies plan to enter the site again to obtain samples of material blocks or further investigation. For the time being, samples of concrete debris could not be collected because workers are still digging at the site where dozens of people were trapped, said Pol Maj Gen Vathee.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra acknowledged that substandard steel might have been used in the construction of the building. The Ministry of Industry is also inspecting various steel samples, she said.

With hope fading that any of the 79 people believed trapped in the rubble might be found alive, authorities on Friday decided to bring in heavy equipment to start clearing the debris more quickly.

Earlier, there had been concerns about the stability of the site and possible impact from vibrations caused by machinery, which might endanger searchers and those trapped.

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced the decision after rescue workers were unable to reach areas where they believed survivors might be found due to heavy piles of debris obstructing their progress.

He said that using heavy machinery would also facilitate evidence-gathering for ongoing investigations.

Fifteen people — 8 men and 7 women — have been confirmed dead from the collapse so far, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported on Saturday. Nine survivors have been rescued and 79 people are still trapped.

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ABOUT POLITICS: Nominees feel the blues

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Wuthichart: 'We play by the rules'
Wuthichart: ‘ We play by the rules ‘

The majority “blue” group of senators wields tremendous power to find or accept proposed appointees for impartial agencies, and a new, fruitless attempt to brand replacements for two cheerful judges in the Constitutional Court shows this.

A check of the Senate’s fierce power came just when the room convened a meeting to get two new judges to achieve cheerful Constitutional Court judges Nakharin Mektrairat, the judge’s leader, and Panya Udchanon.

Earmarked as their repairs were Siripan Nogsuan Sawasdee, a political science professor at Chulalongkorn University, and Chatri Atjananont, a previous director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs.

Both had sailed through the selection procedure conducted by an ad hoc committee headed by Supreme Court leader Chanakarn Theeravechpolkul. The commission also included House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and criticism head Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut.

The two finalists were tipped to win the jury content. But, ominous signs emerged at the beginning of the Senate conference, which soon took a dramatic change.

Vocal senator Nanthana Nanthawaropas asserted the besieged Senate had no firm approving determine meetings. In fact, the meeting should have been suspended pending a Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) probe into the alleged rigging of the Senate elections.

She feared any Constitutional Court courts greenlighted by the Senate may be voided after if and when the ballot rigging case is found to have material and a number of lawmakers are disqualified.

Sen Nanthana’s statement, however, drew the ire of the majority, “blue-affiliated” senators who insisted on pushing ahead with the selections, citing legal risks the Senate could face for dereliction of duty if it failed to hold the vote.

Blue is the colour that is associated with the coalition Bhumjaithai Party.

An observer said Sen Nanthana, who tends to align politically with the “orange” camp– the main opposition People’s Party– had yet another verbal showdown with the blue senators.

The meeting was rocked by heated exchanges, with Sen Boonchan Nualsai retorting that the DS I’s allegations had not been proven in a court of law. The Senate, therefore, had the rightful duty to fulfill its lawmaking and appointment responsibilities.

Sen Wuthichart Kalayanamitr, secretary to the Senate whip, said no injunction had been issued to suspend the Senate and that its judicial appointments fully complied with regulations and the constitution.

” It’s as clear as day that the Senate has done nothing outside of what the constitution allows. People can tell that we play by the rules”, he told the meeting.

The debate then turned to the qualifications and backgrounds of the two judge candidates, with many, notably minority senators such as Angkana Neelapaijit, Ratchaneekorn Thongthip, and Dr Premsak Piayura, generally satisfied with the candidates ‘ credentials.

The atmosphere cooled when the chamber agreed to proceed with the meeting behind closed doors and further discuss “delicate issues” surrounding the qualifications of the two contenders.

The Senate ended the meeting in the early afternoon when Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja called for a vote, which resulted in both candidates missing out on the posts.

It was reported the two candidates did not strike a chord with the majority “blue-affiliated” senators, who refused to back them.

The candidates were dealt a crushing blow in a vote in which Ms Siripan received an approval vote of 43 against 136, with seven abstentions and one no vote. Mr Chatri had 47 votes in favour, 115 against, 22 abstentions, and three did not register to vote.

Both fell way short of securing half the Senate’s support, or at least 100 votes, the minimum requirement.

Ms Siripan was criticised for signing a mass petition seeking to amend Section 112 of the Criminal Code, or the lese majeste law. In a letter to the Senate panel vetting the qualifications of nominees, she explained she was merely exercising her right to voice her academic view.

She also responded to a Senate query on her stance on the imposition of strict ethical standards for political officeholders, which has been blamed for Srettha Thavisin’s dismissal as prime minister. The Constitutional Court dismissed him in August last year over an ethical violation related to the appointment of Pichit Chuenban as a minister.

Even though Mr Chatri, a career diplomat, has the image of a politically neutral technocrat, he was not the “blue” senators ‘ choice from the outset. They reportedly favoured Sarawut Songsivilai, a former Highways Department chief, and Surachai Khan-arsa, a former governor of several provinces. Neither made the cut in the selection process.

Meanwhile, Ms Siripan made several noteworthy points when she showcased her vision in the candidacy selection process, according to a source.

She emphasised that the explanations furnished and rulings passed by the Constitutional Court should strictly and explicitly adhere to the letter of the constitution to prevent broad interpretations.

The academic observed that since a definition of ethics and moral integrity has often been sought, any such definition must be brief and kept within a narrow scope. This would enable people to have a correct understanding of the definition.

Ms Siripan added that the Constitutional Court should do its duty and invoke its power in a way that opens up an avenue for hearing “everyday” cases. The court should forge a closer relationship with the people, which would bode well for its relevance and accessibility.

Is the opposition waning?

Parit: ' Public wary of casino deal'

Parit: ‘ Public wary of casino deal’

The Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration recently endorsed the Casino and Entertainment Complex Bill without dissent from any of its coalition partners, not even the Bhumjaithai Party, which had staunchly opposed the idea.

Just last August, Chaichanok Chidchob, the Bhumjaithai Party secretary-general, publicly denounced the project, citing four key concerns.

First the casino-entertainment scheme would never resolve the issue of illegal gambling and could actually increase both underground and legal betting, second, there’s no clear indication as to how the state and the public will benefit from the policy, third, the claim that it will drive tourism is unconvincing, and finally it fails to spell out exactly how Thai workers can secure jobs at the casinos.

To date, the government has not amended the bill to address these concerns, according to observers, who are now wondering what exactly made Bhumjaithai change its stance.

A similar question is also being raised about another coalition partner, the Democrats, who even called for a referendum on whether such a law should exist at all.

Chaichana Detdecho, deputy secretary-general of the Democrat Party, was quoted as saying back in August that the party would not support the bill. He proposed that if the government wanted to boost state revenue, it could do so by legalising and taxing long-existing underground lotteries.

Now there is no pushback from the Democrat heavyweights either. What changed?

The bill is tentatively scheduled for an April 9 parliament meeting, just a day before the current parliament session takes a break. With a long queue of legislative drafts pending House scrutiny, the government needs a good reason to reprioritise and secure a place for the bill’s first reading.

According to observers, Bhumjaithai’s silence has set off alarm bells and fueled speculation of a backroom deal between the two coalition heavyweights.

Parit Wacharasindhu, a People’s Party ( PP ) MP, said he raised concerns during the no-confidence debate that the public was increasingly wary about a deal being struck among coalition partners over the project.

He pointed out that the bill gives power to the Ministry of Interior, currently supervised by Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, to consider issues related to gambling licences.

The opposition MP questioned where the issue is heading– possibly the legalisation of online gambling in exchange for a casino-entertainment complex?

However, Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University, said the government’s push for this bill seems more about political timing as the censure debate has already ended.

With the prime minister easily surviving the no-confidence motion and coalition unity at an all-time high, Pheu Thai is seizing the moment to fast-track its agenda, he said.

But the real test begins when the bill is scrutinised in the House, and Bhumjaithai, despite its silence, could use the bill to leverage political negotiations with the ruling party.

Moreover, proposed revisions can be expected during the vetting process, with some coalition parties likely to distance themselves by claiming their MPs have the right to vote independently, he said.

Under the bill, Thai punters must pay a fee of 5, 000 baht and show proof they have at least 50 million baht in their bank account to enter a casino. But details of the bill are not set in stone, as parliament has the final say.

” We’ll have to see how this plays out. And even if the bill clears the House, there’s still another major hurdle– the Senate”, Mr Olarn said.

The majority of senators are believed to be closely aligned with Bhumjaithai.

Thanaporn Sriyakul, director of the Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute, said Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai appear to have thrashed out their differences.

Turning Buri Ram, the Bhumjaithai Party’s stronghold, into an entertainment hub would be a breeze as the province is already a sports city boasting the Buriram International Circuit and a football stadium.

With a water or theme park and a casino which is capped at 10 % of the total area, it would become a fully integrated entertainment complex, according to Mr Thanaporn.

Ms Paetongtarn is scheduled to visit Buri Ram next week, fuelling speculation about a done deal.

” It’s a clear signal that an agreement has been reached. No matter what people in other provinces think, as long as Buri Ram benefits, that seems to be all that matters”, Mr Thanaporn said.

According to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, the government aims to push the draft bill through parliament during the current session and the entire process, from drafting to final approval, is expected to take about a year.

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DSI tracks down nominee suspects

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 06: 10

Heavy machine is deployed at the site of a collapsed state building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district as search operations continue on Friday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Large equipment is deployed at the page of a collapsed state tower in Bangkok’s Chatuchak city as search operations continue on Friday. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

The Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) has identified three Thais suspected of acting as nominees holding shares in China Railway No. 10 Thailand Co, which was awarded the contract to construct the State Audit Office’s ( SAO ) 2.1-billion-baht building that collapsed in Bangkok during the earthquake on March 28.

DSI director-general Pol Maj Yutthana Praedam said on Friday that the three defendants are identified as Prachuab Sirikhate, Sophon Meechai and Manas Srianan.

He said that DSI authorities raided Mr Prachuab’s residence in Roi Et’s Phon Sai city, but he was not it.

He said they only found his wife, who told them that Mr Prachuab works as a hired hand doing design work and earns just about 10, 000 a month.

” This is despite data that he holds stocks in various companies. This may offer sufficient grounds to complaints about candidate shareholdings”, Pol Maj Yutthana said, adding that authorities are tracking down the other two offenders.

Kanokraiwin Burinnan, an accountant, said that an initial examination found that the three Thais were the bank’s owners and shareholders.

She said that Mr Manas again held 360, 000 shares in the company and afterwards transferred almost all of the stock to Mr Sophon.

Mr Manas now holds just 0.0003 % of the firm’s stock.

The DSI is investigating the discuss exchange between the two gentlemen, she said.

Mr Kanokraiwan also said that it was found that the three Thais have previously worked as building companies when, but they still hold shares in the company.

According to sources at the DSI, Mr Sophon holds 40.79 % of shares in China Railway No. 10 ( Thailand ), while Mr Prachuab holds 10.2 %.

Pol Capt Surawut Rangsai, the DS I’s assistant director-general, said that China Railway No. 10 ( Thailand ) was awarded contracts for construction projects in the government sector worth 22 billion baht from 2019 to 2024.

The DSI may launch an investigation into these jobs, which will get no more than two weeks, he said.

Pol Maj Yutthana also said that DSI authorities are in the process of locating the mind company of China Railway No. 10 ( Thailand ).

He said first testimony are expected to be summoned for questioning next year.

He also added that the DSI is investigating the company for alleged cost collaboration and the argument that contenders were used to carry the company’s stocks, which has now been accepted by the DSI as a particular situation.

ITD-CREC, a cooperative venture between SET-listed Italian-Thai Development Plc and China Railway No. 10 Thailand Co, was awarded the contract to build the then destroyed tower for the SAO.

Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong recently said the issue of choice shareholders and companies should be investigated statewide.

He said the DSI will verify the company’s joint ventures and general business activities to ensure full transparency.

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Steel supplier in invoice strife

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 05: 12

A pile of dismantled steel bars from the construction site of the State Audit Office building, which collapsed due to last week's earthquake, was found to include substandard products of Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarill)
A pile of dismantled steel bars from the construction site of the State Audit Office building, which collapsed due to last week’s earthquake, was found to include substandard products of Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarill )

The Revenue Department has filed a criminal complaint against Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co, which supplied steel for the construction of the State Audit Office ( SAO ) building before its collapse, for fabricating more than 7, 000 invoices worth over 200 million baht.

The complaint was made to the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI), where it was received by Deputy DSI Director-General Pol Capt Surawut Rangsai on Friday.

According to Pol Capt Surawut, the problem stated that, from 2015 to 2017, Xin Ke Yuan Co Ltd issued fraudulent tax invoices, the injury significance of which is estimated at over 200 million ringgit.

If the number includes penalties, it was number 1 billion ringgit, he said, adding that the DSI was gathering facts to awaken individuals involved for questioning.

He noted that the situation may be handled differently or merged with a special event related to choice companies.

More research by the Regional Revenue Office Division 3 found that the organization used 7, 426 fraudulent tax payments to fraudulently state tax credits. This violates legal tax legislation under the Revenue Code.

According to the Special Case Investigation Act, for acts of the Income Code fall under DSI control. Thus, the DSI may now proceed with an investigation into the matter.

However, Thitiphat Chotidechachainan, head of the working group for the Minister of Industry, said an inspection of Xin Ke Yuan’s factory in Rayong province on Thursday found huge stockpiles of nuclear caesium-137, a toxic industrial waste contaminated with large metals on its premises.

The volume of the toxic powdery waste found exceeded 43, 000 tonnes, worth over 1.7 billion baht, a lot more than the company’s last report in 2022 of 2, 245 tonnes.

Officials from the Department of Industrial Works and the Rayong Provincial Industry Office have seized the radiocaesium residuals and collected samples for testing. The company must provide a clear explanation by Thursday or risk losing its waste removal permit.

” Claims of staff changes as the reason for data discrepancies are a common excuse used by shady businesses”, Ms Thitiphat said. ” If the company fails to justify the origins of the substance, it could face legal action, and the DSI may classify the case as a special investigation to swiftly wrap up the case”.

In the latest development, Industry Minister Akanat Promphan has signed an order to revoke Board of Investment ( BoI ) privileges from Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co for breaching factory and industrial standards laws. Despite prior warnings on Dec 27 last year and Feb 20 this year, the firm failed to comply.

The minister further explained that the company was warned of deficiencies in the product quality control system and that its products did not meet the required standards of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute ( TISI).

Ongoing inspections continue, he noted.

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Clearing State Audit Office debris could take ’60 days’

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 05: 02

Operation presses on: Excavators remove concrete debris on Friday to clear the way for online search-and-rescue operations at the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Activity press on: Tractors remove concrete dirt on Friday to clear the way for online search-and-rescue procedures at the fell State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak area. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

The operation to clear debris from the collapsed State Audit Office ( SAO ) building could take 30 to 60 days as search and rescue efforts for survivors continue amid difficult conditions.

Citing specialists, Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt said about 15, 000 square feet of wreckage weighing 40, 000 kilograms were expected to get removed from the webpage, and less than 5 % of the dirt has been cleared thus far.

Mr Chadchart also announced a decision to change strategies after firefighters were unable to reach areas where more survivors may be found due to heavy piles of heavy cement, steel and other particles obstructing their development.

He said the plan has been adjusted to incorporate heavy machinery, allowing for quicker debris removal and clearing the way for the search-and-rescue operation and facilitating evidence-gathering for the ongoing investigations.

This marks a shift from the previous approach, which relied largely on rescuers removing debris by hand due to concerns about the potential dangers to survivors, he said.

On Thursday, search crew detected signs of life and over 100 personnel were deployed to clear the path.

As of midnight, they managed to reach the location but were blocked by steel and a narrow cavity, according to the governor.

” We will need heavy machinery to further progress. Everyone is heartbroken, but we believe we’ve done our best.

” Heavy machines will play a greater role, but we have never given up hope of finding survivors.

” Rescue teams are on standby around the clock to prepare for searches once the machines clear the area”, he said.

Mr Chadchart also reassured the public of their safety, saying public confidence is expected to be restored as almost all structures withstood the recent earthquake.

Dr Wantanee Wattana, permanent secretary at the BMA, said yesterday that psychiatrists have been deployed at the site to support the families of the victims and to also provide mental support to the rescue team in the operation area who may be stressed from their duties.

She also expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty the King, who has taken all injured victims as patients under royal patronage.

Dr Wantanee called on media outlets not to mix coverage of the earthquake-related damage in Myanmar with the collapsed building, warning it could cause misunderstanding and emotional distress among the victims ‘ families.

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Clearing SAO debris could take ’60 days’

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 05: 02

Operation presses on: Excavators remove concrete debris on Friday to clear the way for online search-and-rescue operations at the collapsed State Audit Office building in Bangkok's Chatuchak district. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Activity press on: Tractors remove concrete dirt on Friday to clear the way for online search-and-rescue procedures at the fell State Audit Office building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak area. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

The operation to clear debris from the collapsed State Audit Office ( SAO ) building could take 30 to 60 days as search and rescue efforts for survivors continue amid difficult conditions.

Citing specialists, Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt said about 15, 000 square feet of wreckage weighing 40, 000 kilograms were expected to get removed from the webpage, and less than 5 % of the dirt has been cleared thus far.

Mr Chadchart also announced a decision to change tactics after firefighters were unable to reach areas where more survivors may be found due to heavy piles of heavy cement, steel and other particles obstructing their development.

He said the program has been adjusted to include large equipment, allowing for quicker dust treatment and clearing the way for the search-and-rescue activity and facilitating evidence-gathering for the ongoing studies.

This marks a shift from the previous approach, which relied largely on rescuers removing debris by hand due to concerns about the potential dangers to survivors, he said.

On Thursday, search crew detected signs of life and over 100 personnel were deployed to clear the path.

As of midnight, they managed to reach the location but were blocked by steel and a narrow cavity, according to the governor.

” We will need heavy machinery to further progress. Everyone is heartbroken, but we believe we’ve done our best.

” Heavy machines will play a greater role, but we have never given up hope of finding survivors.

” Rescue teams are on standby around the clock to prepare for searches once the machines clear the area”, he said.

Mr Chadchart also reassured the public of their safety, saying public confidence is expected to be restored as almost all structures withstood the recent earthquake.

Dr Wantanee Wattana, permanent secretary at the BMA, said yesterday that psychiatrists have been deployed at the site to support the families of the victims and to also provide mental support to the rescue team in the operation area who may be stressed from their duties.

She also expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty the King, who has taken all injured victims as patients under royal patronage.

Dr Wantanee called on media outlets not to mix coverage of the earthquake-related damage in Myanmar with the collapsed building, warning it could cause misunderstanding and emotional distress among the victims ‘ families.

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Govt takes fire over debate bid

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

The government is facing sharp criticism for trying to fast-track the consideration of the entertainment-casino difficult act in congress despite lacking a detailed feasibility research to support it.

During a political meeting on Thursday, after the Pheu Thai Party proposed bringing the debate ahead to Wednesday, members of the opposition boldly questioned whether personal buyers were exerting undue influence over government policy.

PP head Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut monday told reporters that during Thursday’s meet, he submitted a movement to throw the earthquake impacts on the immediate agenda for the next legislative session. Nevertheless, the Pheu Thai Party eventually replaced it with the leisure complex expenses.

Mr Natthaphong argued the president’s reshuffling of priorities stemmed from fears that a continuous debate on the disaster may result in enrollment falling below vote requirements for the program, which could include a vote on the casino bill.

” The urgency with which the government is pushing this bill appears unnecessary and raises suspicions”, he said.

When asked whether financial backers were influencing the bill, Natthaphong said he had no concrete evidence but highlighted ongoing structural issues in Thai politics that favour vested interests.

PP list MP Parit Wacharasindhu speculated that if the government fails to prioritise the bill next week, it might not be considered at all during this session.

He warned that the current rush reflects a lack of public support and the absence of detailed studies on the potential social and economic impacts.

” If the government truly wants to push this policy, it should first conduct a comprehensive feasibility study during the parliamentary recess, then propose the bill when parliament resumes”, he said.

Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Chousak Sirinil yesterday denied that the government was rushing the bill. He said the legislative process remains lengthy and estimated it would take at least eight months.

It requires three readings in both the House and Senate, as well as the formation of a relevant committee, he said.

” The bill is being processed according to standard procedures”, Mr Chousak said, dismissing opposition allegations of investor interference.

He emphasised that the government aims to complete the process within its current term and reiterated that the bill is intended to stimulate economic growth and generate revenue.

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New booze rules raise alarm

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

The state has been called on to maintain alcohol-control restrictions amid fears that easing the rules could lead to more disastrous incidents, especially during the Songkran vacation.

The” Expanding Drinking Zones vs Increased Risks During Songkran” conference was held just by the Alcohol Prevention Network, Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation, Social Synergy Network Foundation, Life Quality Development Network and the Youth Health Promotion Network.

During the conference, Wisanu Sritawong, president of Social Synergy Network Foundation, expressed concern that the future Songkran event will see an increase in alcohol intake and activities such as concerts and waters enjoy could lead to more drinking-related incidents and assault due to the eased plan.

The party claims a review it carried out next season, in 20 regions, saw 81 % of responders agree it was important to ban alcohol during Songkran to reduce violent crime. The same poll also reported that 87 % thought the move would decrease the risk of sexual harassment, and 82 % did not think it would put tourists off visiting.

Mr Wisanu even suggested adopting procedures from last year’s event on Silom Road, where special roads were designated for emergency vehicles and related secret business operators were held responsible for alcohol-related incidents.

Dr Udomsak Saengow, a lecturer at Walailak University’s School of Medicine, criticised the government’s eagerness to allow sales on religious holidays and in railway stations despite the revised version of the law not yet being imposed.

” The government’s stance may lead to less intense law enforcement regarding alcohol control, especially during the Songkran festival, which is being used to promote tourism as part of the government’s” Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sport Year 2025″.

He cited international academic research, which found that in Western Australia, hotels granted extended alcohol sale hours saw a three-fold increase in reports of physical assault compared to those without extended hours.

In Norway, a study found that a one-hour extension of alcohol sales led to a 13–22 % increase in assaults across 18 cities.

Dr Udomsak urged the government to enforce existing alcohol laws more strictly instead, emphasising that not all tourists consume alcohol and any threat to their safety could tarnish Thailand’s global image, he said.

Jaree Srisawat, a senior official at the Women and Men Progressive Movement Foundation, said a nationwide survey of 2, 552 people last month showed that 70 % of people are concerned by the changes.

Last Monday, the Senate accepted in principle an updated alcohol control bill, which was approved by parliament on March 19. Among the changes is the lifting of restrictions on advertising alcoholic beverages.

Three committees working on Tourism and Sports, Social Development and Public Health have been assigned to study the bill before a final decision is made.

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Schools to search bags for vapes

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

The Office of the Basic Education Commission ( Obec) has instructed schools to conduct bag searches for e-cigarettes when the next semester begins in May, citing growing concerns over vaping among students.

Obec’s assistant secretary-general Tee Pawangkanant, said the order was introduced during the E-Cigarette Control Policy Committee meet chaired by Vice Minister of Education Phitsanu Phonlathee.

The estimate is part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen class regulations regarding e-cigarettes. Schools are required to search for e-cigarettes and, if required, collect and eliminate any found during checks.

In addition, Obec is launching a public awareness campaign to inform individuals on the dangers of smoking and the possible legal implications. Mr Tee said the initiative will help assist long-term protection measures in classrooms.

The laws are set to be implemented before the start of the semester in May, with universities working closely with government to strengthen protection.

Kids have also been urged to collaborate with universities in tackling the issue, as the legal ramifications of e-cigarette ownership can be significant.

Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit, leader of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation, said smoking also places a economic hardship on people.

He cited a National Statistical Office 2021 study, which found that people aged 15 and older spend an average of 718 ringgit per month on vaping materials. This is a major expense, especially when compared to Thailand’s lowest regular income of 1, 043 ringgit, he added.

Health experts have also raised worries over the serious health risks associated with e-cigarette usage.

Dr Pimchanok Junsawat, a paediatric cardiologist at Thammasat University’s Faculty of Medicine, warned that secondhand smoke exposure poses greater threats to child and young kids.

” Young kids absorb toxins more quickly and breath at a faster rate than people, making them more vulnerable to the harmful substances in e-cigarette vapour”, she said.

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Panel moots road safety measures

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PUBLISHED: 5 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

The road safety commission has proposed four key steps to suppress traffic incidents during the upcoming Songkran event.

Nikorn Chamnong, assistant to the committee on road safety and injury prevention, and Supachai Somcharoen, president of the committee on highway security law enforcement, held a joint press conference to map out the plan yesterday.

The ideas were addressed to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has shown clear goal to market Songkran as a form of” sweet energy” to attract more foreign tourists.

They were even submitted to Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, who chairs the National Road Safety Policy Committee.

One is the” 10 Hazardous Time” program, which consists of four steps, including strict law enforcement targeting risky behavior on the streets, such as never wearing masks, speeding and drunk driving.

Another estimate involves halting all road construction projects during the trip, such as those on Rama II Road, and ensuring correct posters at construction sites.

The subsequent calls for zero liquor tolerance for individuals, security at railway crossings and stricter assessments on gas-powered cars.

The next focuses on the control of personnel, with adequate staffing at street checkpoints throughout the entire holiday to avoid an increased workload for each staff member.

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