Nations pull together for daring rescue bid

Deputy Bangkok governor Tavida Kamolvej explains the rescue mission at the collapsed site. (Photo: BMA)
Tavida Kamolvej, the lieutenant governor of Bangkok, describes the rescue operation at the site. ( Photo: BMA )

The country’s citizens were shocked by the destructive earthquake that struck 24 regions in Thailand, including the capital, particularly the one that caused the State Audit Office building to collapse and strand lots of workers trapped beneath dust.

However, a amazing display of global cooperation emerged in the middle of the issue, demonstrating that when a crisis strikes, nations can unite to save lives.

Assoc. Prof. Tavida Kamolvej, Bangkok’s deputy governor, who is renowned for her knowledge and calm demeanor, offered perspectives into the smooth coordination between Thai authorities and foreign rescue teams.

Assoc Prof. Tavida, known as Madam Disaster in the media, plays a crucial role in managing crisis actions. She claimed to the Bangkok Post that the evacuation operation was extremely organized.

The lieutenant governor took over the physical locations, making sure international teams were properly registered and controlled as they entered the page, while Bangkok government Chadchart Sittipunt oversaw the inner disaster zone.

She said,” We must make sure we know what, where, and when,” stressing the importance of collaboration to avoid conflict.

On March 31, Israeli Ambassador Oma Sagiv meets with Israeli experts from her country at the site of the fell tower. On the website, she even speaks with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister. Embassy of Israel

On March 31, Israeli Ambassador Oma Sagiv meets with Israeli experts from her country at the site of the fell tower. On the website, she even speaks with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the prime minister. Embassy of Israel

Thai and international teams work together

The procedure required a superior understanding of how to handle the scenario with efficiency in addition to a problem in terms of transportation.

The inclusion of global experts and their technology was essential, and the Thai clubs received training in how such functions are conducted abroad.

Our groups are well-trained, not about being better or worse. However, we learn new lessons from actual disaster situations. She said that the tools and knowledge that foreign teams bring can be invaluable.

A section of groups based on skill rather than ethnicity was a part of the mutual rescue work. Engineers, K9 teams, search teams, digging crews, hoist operators, and other special units all worked in pairs, getting tasks assigned according to their experience.

There are times when certain things are reserved for special nations because of their specialized abilities. For example, Israel “brought in special searching technologies,” according to Assoc Prof. Tavida.

One of the biggest difficulties was piercing the deep layers of dust and concrete, which were difficult to dig through.

As we drilled, we had to be careful not to cause more falls because the building’s surface was one foot thick.

Heavy technology, such as cranes, was carefully used to remove debris, and unique sensors were used to identify tremors.

Despite these difficulties, the rescue teams maintained a coordinated approach, regularly checking for survivors and reducing the risk of further damage.

The context of the procedure grew by the hour as international groups from the United States, Israel, and France offered their support.

Israel provided advanced scanning equipment and expertise in rescue operations, while the USA sent a large team equipped with technologies. Each squad had its own advantages, including a wide range of high-tech resources and drones.

We operated as a second entity, she continued. The global team did not operate independently. We needed to coordinate everything carefully to ensure security and maximize the chances of finding survivors.

One of the most heartfelt times occurred when the Israeli team arrived after a 12-hour trip and assisted in finding survivors. Because Thailand had ample resources, they did not bring more weighty products with them, but they did provide crucial expertise in surveying the wreckage.

Their ability to save one man was a bible to their special abilities. When asked about the recovery efforts, Israeli Ambassador to Thailand Orna Sagiv said,” We didn’t give up.” We are often ready to help because Israel and Thailand have a long-standing connection.

Several victims were still trapped in the uncomfortable position on the ground. Mixed teams would often enter the site on foot, particularly when large machinery paused to allow for more sensitive searches, while wearing red and green shirts.

The research team worked in small parties of 32 to 33 people, making sure that each person could be identified if they were hurt. she explained. It is crucial that we move as a system. When all collaborates, we are always aware of where everyone is and what is going on.

Pennung:

Pennung:” We may be prepared.

Training learned

The SAO tower was destroyed by the earthquake, but other buildings in Bangkok suffered less harm.

Chutima Nunman, a citizen of a high-rise apartments in Chatuchak, described her experience as “faking panic,” feeling as though the ground is shaking constantly. Although shaken, the staff assured her that the structure was healthy even though the damage to her building was small.

I consider myself fortunate in comparison to people whose properties suffered the most damage.

Another high-rise resident in the Phayathai region, who requested to be called Elle, even experienced the numbness. She recalls using the fireplace ladder to immediately leave the 9th floor after hearing breaking noises.

Although some slight cracks were discovered in some walls, building officials claimed the framework was secure.

People need trust in the health of their properties, especially when they have invested so much in these houses, according to her knowledge, which also highlighted the value of apparent conversation during a crisis.

The quick response and partnership did not stop with the earthquake’s immediate aftermath.

The founder of the Earthquake Research Centre of Thailand ( Earth ), Prof. Pennung Warnitchai, stated that Thailand is still vulnerable to future earthquakes, particularly from the nearby Sagaing fault and the Arakan fault in the Andaman Sea.

We may be prepared, he said, “while we don’t know when the next big quake will happen.”

Building safety, especially in high-risk areas like Bangkok, is a top priority with continued inspections and planning efforts.

Evaluation of the post-quake

The country’s industrial infrastructure’s weaknesses and strengths were both noted by the earthquake’s aftermath.

Of the 3,375 structures that the Department of Public Works and Town &amp, Country Planning surveyed, 34 were deemed illegal, while the majority were found to be functionally sound.

Condominiums, which are required to go through normal inspections, were excluded from this study.

Complexes like the apartments where Ms. Chutima resides, built with strong underpinnings, provided some pleasure, but many other structures encountered major challenges.

The success of the recovery goal in Thailand was a testament to the strength of global cooperation and the potency of modern technology in rescuing life.

As Assoc Prof. Tavida noted, the success of the procedure was a strong illustration of what can be accomplished when countries unite in the face of crisis.

She said,” We’re no less capable than anyone else,” adding that the knowledge gained may help to advance future recovery operations.

In the end, Thai authorities and international groups ‘ combined efforts saved people’s lives and demonstrated that humanity’s capacity for endurance is unwavering even in the most tragic situation.

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Parties told to back casino bill

Thaksin urges government supporters to continue working.

Anti-gambling protesters gather at Government House on March 27 as the cabinet approved a bill on entertainment complexes that will include casinos. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
As the government approved a costs establishing gambling as part of an anti-gambling entertainment complex, anti-gambling activists gathered at Government House on March 27. Apichart Jinakul is the photographer.

According to sources close to the problem, former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has warned members of the ruling coalition to help the casino-entertainment difficult costs because they will be deliberated in legislature on Wednesday or face eviction from the state.

According to the sources, Thaksin allegedly instructed the Pheu Thai-led partnership to support the bill during its opening studying tomorrow in the House. They claimed that those who join the alliance will get fired.

The majority of the events in the coalition, including the Bhumjaithai and the United Thai Nation events, have pledged to support the act, despite the fact that the Prachachat Party, which has nine House MPs under its wing, has recently voiced its opposition to it.

Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, who is somewhat the only Buddhist member of the party’s parliamentarians, leads the party. The majority of its MPs in the House are Muslims from the strong South’s predominately Muslim border provinces, who oppose the government’s plan to legalize gambling on religious grounds.

According to the resources, Pol Col Tawee did not attend the cabinet meeting that was scheduled to support the casino-entertainment complicated bill on March 27. They pointed out that he always brought up the subject for discussion with another group MPs.

Sugarno Matha, a Yala MP from Prachachat, reported on Twitter on Saturday that Pol Col Tawee had written to the commission’s secretary-general on January 13 to show his concerns about the potential bad effects of game legalization, including a rise in corruption among condition officials.

Before urging the government to conduct further studies on the subject before proceeding, Mr. Sugarno questioned whether the financial benefits from the legalization of game complexes would be for the adverse impact on the country’s youth.

According to Mr. Sugarno, Pol Col Tawee had pointed out that gambling is also a sin of other religions, including Buddhism.

The Justice Ministry says the bill should take into account religious and cultural prohibitions when selecting locations to build such complexes, he said.

Sorawong Thienthong, the minister of sports and tourism and Pheu Thai secretary-general, acknowledged on Monday that the Prachachat Party has concerns about the casino-entertainment complex bill.

” It is normal because the majority of the party members are Muslims and the party’s support is concentrated in the three southern border provinces.” We can explain and come to an agreement with them, according to Mr. Sorawong.

He denied that Thaksin had threatened to oust coalition parties that don’t support the bill. These assertions are false, but we have no control over what people believe.

Despite the lack of a thorough analysis to back up its claim, the government is being harshly criticized for trying to speed up the debate over the entertainment-casino complex bill in parliament.

Doctors, academics, and schools are voicing opposition to the bill as it is being debated by the House on Wednesday.

The People’s Unity Group leader, Jatuporn Prompan, also urged the general public to support the bill’s protest against the first reading tomorrow.

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Search winds down as dog unit goes home

Director of the Thailand Rescue Dog Association, Suthikiet Sopanik, announced yesterday that K9 USAR Thailand had finished its 11-day search of the collapse site of the State Auditorium ( SAO ).

According to Mr. Suthikiet, the team spent 11 days at the scene of the March 28 disaster, which successfully completed the 7 to 10 day mission set out by the Thai urban search and rescue ( Usar ) team.

The K9 staff concluded their mission to stop potential harm to both the dogs and team members, according to Mr. Suthikiet after conducting a comprehensive evaluation.

He also confirmed that the people and connected organizations provided generous support and care despite the fact that neither the team nor the dogs were hurt during the objective. dishes, supplies, funds, and personal support were provided.

He said,” We’d like to thank everyone for their help.” ” Whenever a catastrophe strikes, we will always be with the patients.”

The team, in Mr. Suthikiet’s opinion, could only use its sniffer dogs to detect possible locations and not save any survivors.

The K9 team will now begin making visits to all the organizations and foundations that supported them, including Chatuchak district residents and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ), who provided necessities like food, water, and bathing facilities for both team members and rescue dogs.

The K9 group set up 11 save dogs, which were rotated between three and four animals, and each worked eight hours. 10 puppies from United SAR K9, three from the military’s War Dog Centre, four from Police K-9, and five from the Thai Volunteer SAR Dog system are among the various dog rescue teams that have come to the area.

Prior to today’s case conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to deliver the findings of the investigation into the collapse of the SAO building to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This is in addition to her order from April 1st to collect the findings in a few days.

Ms. Paetongtarn instructed several ministries to improve disaster preparedness and incorporate disaster and catastrophe education into school curricula during the cabinet meeting next Tuesday.

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US tariff hike prompts new trade strategy

A senior official has emphasized that the government’s approach to conversations over US tariffs may be guided by a “know your army, know yourself” approach, which seeks to determine Thailand’s strengths and situation thoroughly before engaging in dialogue.

Supavud Saicheua, the director, stated that the Thai authorities is preparing to discuss lowering trade tariffs and boosting American purchase. This action is in response to the 36 % increase in trade tariffs set to go into effect tomorrow.

Importing US agricultural products, which will then be transformed into food items for trade to other nations, is a key plan. Thailand has a major advantage in this field thanks to its breadth of experience in food handling. He stated that in order to help this plan, the government intends to establish business alliances with US states with significant agricultural industries.

He also made it clear that the government will provide short-term money as an incentive to support businesses affected by the price increases. To assist these businesses in finding other markets for their exports, a expenditure of 3 billion ringgit will also be allocated.

Mr. Supavud emphasized that the US’s price increases are motivated by three main goals: reducing industry imbalances, generating more revenue to lower the US budget deficit, and encouraging US businesses to re-engage with American manufacturing. He did point out that entering agreements without delay, as some nations like Canada and Vietnam have done, may not be the best course of action. These nations are also subject to higher taxes despite having trade surplus with the US.

He claimed that the Thai authorities had developed actionable strategies. The main thrust of the plan is to change trade and economic ties to make use of both countries ‘ advantages, such as the Thai company that processes US agricultural products.

This approach includes addressing items that are incorrectly labelled as coming from Thailand in order to lessen the negative effects of US tax policies. Additionally, it aims to boost Thai investment in the US and boost agricultural imports, especially in those areas where Thailand is unable to produce domestically, quite as energy-related goods.

The Thai government’s agreements with the US will proceed through a systematic, step-by-step approach, Mr. Supavud continued, making sure that both nations ‘ last contracts are beneficial.

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Probe seeks answers from Thai partners

The three Thai shareholders of the China Railway No. were urged by the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) yesterday. 10 ( Thailand ) construction company, which participated in the construction of the now-defunct State Audit Office ( SAO ) building, kindly offered to assist with the DS I’s investigations.

Prachuab Sirikhate, Sophon Meechai, and Manas Srianan, who collectively hold 51 % of China Railway No., have been requested by DSI official Pol Maj Woranan Srilam. 10 ( Thailand ): Provide important details to aid in the investigation. The SAO’s new headquarters, which collapsed on March 28 due to the earthquake, was given a$ 2.1 billion deal to develop.

The three Thai owners are urged to work together and join us to share important information, he said, adding that hiding would not be beneficial. There must be a justification for their participation in these large-scale business functions.

According to Pol Maj Woranan, the investigation will grow to ascertain whether there are charges of money laundering. If concerns about bid-rigging arise, he said, they will slide under the 28 different types of crimes that are related to money laundering laws.

He stated that the DSI would work with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration ( BMA ) and the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning to gather additional supporting documentation regarding the collapse.

The DSI announced now that it intends to travel to the decline site with the BMA to look up important building-structure related documents.

The Thai Industrial Standards Institute may become contacted for information on the quality of the steel and concrete used in the development, while the Department of Public Works and Town &amp, Town &amp, Country Planning will conduct an inspection of the property’s structural integrity.

Additionally, the DSI has confirmed that original director-general of DSI, Pol Lt Col Korawat Panprapakorn, may serve on the situation expert commission, bringing his knowledge to the defense of the investigation, he said.

Authorities have also established a distinct work pressure to look into the decline in parallel. This work force may concentrate on examining the SAO’s fundamental aspects in addition to identifying the cause of the building’s collapse.

They will also go to the site today to gather information, including reinforced material, concrete, and other materials that might help to explain the catastrophe.

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Airports told to brace for surge in holiday arrivals during Songkran

According to the Transport Ministry, which yesterday stressed the need for flights to accommodate travelers more effectively, international and domestic flights are expected to increase by 9.1 % and 22.7 % in the course of this year’s Songkran breaks.

According to assistant government official Anukul Prueksanusak, the Ministry of Transport has implemented specific actions at six significant flights run by Airports of Thailand, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang ( Chiang Rai), Phuket, and Hat Yai, in order to forecast a rise in the number of flights over the time.

According to the AoT, these airports will experience a total of 267, 603 international flights, up 9.1 % from last year, and 213, 792 domestic flights, up 22.7 % from last year, he said.

However, passengers are anticipated to reach 79.19 million, an 18.3 % increase, over the previous year. Of them, 48.24 million will be international passengers (up by 14.1 % ), and 30.94 million will be domestic passengers (up by 25.5 % ).

AoT may offer free parking places at the airports in Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket from midnight on April 11 to evening on April 16 to ease their travels.

There will be more cargo trolleys, flight check-in counters, and personnel at all support points, including the restrooms. But, Mr. Anukul advised people to use the self-check-in and baggage-drop systems to help ensure prompt assistance for all travelers.

In addition, deputy transport minister Manaporn Charoensri announced that she has instructed the Department of Airports ( DOA ), which oversees 29 other airports nationwide, to increase safety inspections and work with the Tourist Police to coordinate with the Tourist Police to ensure passenger safety. She added that drivers for rental cars and car companies must also check whether their vehicles are roadworthy.

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Swine farmers sweat over tariff talks

Anxiety as crew to travel to the US to broker a deal

The Thai government’s plan to buy US bacon as part of trade deficit negotiations with Washington has drawn strong opposition from the Swine Raisers Association, which warns it may harm the country’s domestic livestock industry and put people’s safety at risk.

Sitthiphan Thanakiatpinyo, president of the association, just discussed the government’s proposal to transfer American-sourced animal feed corn and meat to lessen business disparity in response to US decision to impose a 36 % import tax on Thai products.

The organization supports the importation of maize, soybeans, soybean meal, maize, and other pet supply ingredients, which are in short offer in Thailand and are extremely required to keep up with the expanding cattle industry, according to Mr. Sitthiphan.

He argues that importing US bacon would undermine the local pork industry by making it impossible for Thai producers to engage, and that would eventually force them to leave the industry.

Then crop farmers may lose their jobs and there will no longer be a demand for animal feed wheat. Thailand will finally completely stop importing corn from the US, according to Mr. Sitthiphan.

A extended supply chain includes produce farmers, rice traders, pet supply producers, swine farmers, slaughterhouses, market butchers, and pork processors that are part of Thailand’s home pork production system.

According to him, importing pork will undoubtedly disrupt every step of this process, effectively putting in jeopardizing the entire pork production system, which he claimed is a pillar of the nation’s food security.

Mr. Sitthiphan cited the Philippines as an example of cautionary farming in which local farmers lost motivation to work hard, leading to pork shortages and a significant import dependency. Pork prices increased by 15 % to 30 %, which has continued to affect Filipinos today.

He added that Thailand’s pork industry is regarded as safer than that of the US because Thai law forbids the use of leanness-enhancing substances because of their potential effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems when consumed in excessive amounts.

” I urge the Thai government’s negotiation team, which is led by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, to abandon the idea of importing pork because it will only lead to numerous issues in the future,” Mr. Sitthiphan said.

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DSI wants iCon ‘actors’ charged

Despite initially being rejected by the prosecution, the Department of Special Investigation ( DSI) is pressuring for criminal charges against two stars connected to the image Group event.

Pol Col Yutthana Praedam, the DSI director-general, stated that the organization had reviewed the information and had written a dissident mind, urging the Attorney General to reexamine the accusations against professional Yuranunt Pamornmontri and actress Pechaya Wattanamontree.

The piece was one of 19 people who had been charged with fraud under the 1984 Public Fraud Loan Act, but only 17 company executives had been charged in the past. They were accused of operating a direct sales company without authorization, defrauding the people, and other crimes.

Pechaya Wattanamontree and Yuranunt Pamornmontri, left,

Pechaya Wattanamontree and Yuranunt Pamornmontri, left,

Damage claims totaling 649.9 million rmb were brought against the alleged crimes in Bangkok and other regions across the nation between August 12, 2020 and August 31, 2024.

He claimed that the DSI has the right to challenge prosecution decisions and has submitted a formal objection to the Attorney General for a final decision under Thailand’s Special Case Investigation Act ( 2004 ).

As the DSI accelerates the summary of its investigation, the Attorney General may make a final decision regarding whether charges will be brought against the two suspects in the coming days.

Pechaya Wattanamontree and Yuranunt Pamornmontri, left,

Pechaya Wattanamontree and Yuranunt Pamornmontri, left,

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Cat lovers eager to adopt small feline found alive in collapsed highrise

Vet Wipawadee Pathom-rapeepong poses with 'satong' on Monday, with activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, alias Gun Jompalang, behind her. (Photo: Wipawadee Pet Clinic Facebook account)
On Monday, campaigner Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet, alias Gun&nbsp, Jompalang, and’satong’ pose with Vet Wipawadee Pathom-rapeepong. ( Facebook account for Wipawadee Pet Clinic )

Cat lovers have flocked to a dog patient’s Facebook page, all wishing to acquire a young cat that had been found dead by a sniffer dog amid the destruction of the State Audit Office building.

The Wipawadee Pet Clinic announced on Monday that it was looking for a new house for the young woman, who is about two months old.

Naree, a sniff dog, discovered the tiny kitten on Sunday at around 8o’clock. The cat had spent ten days trapped inside the 30-story, earthquake-stricken creating before being discovered by the evacuation canine as part of the search and rescue operation.

The cat was soon taken to the Wipawadee Pet Clinic for care.

Among those who volunteered to help any species found trapped inside the broken tower was veterinarian Wipawadee Pathom-rapeepong, who runs the doctor.

Because it had such a strong will to survive, she initially dubbed the cat” satong,” or” strong,” as it was called in English. The term is spelled exactly the same way as the State Audit Office name in Thai text, but with a different pronunciation.

” I have the peach rabbit that K9 Naree found last night. Anyone who wants to follow her is welcome to do so, according to the vet’s Facebook post.

” The kitten will grow up strong, that’s for convinced,” she continued.

On Monday,” Satong” had a second health exam. She was discovered to have a temperature and been contaminated by a corona virus, among other conditions.

The doctor has promised her,” We will consider you a fresh home,” and the young kitten will be treated until she is good.

Cat lovers who posted on the patient’s website both agreed she was adorable and that many people wanted to be her new proprietor.

Pojana Manotham stated on the patient’s website that” satong” was a legend now, and that she would undoubtedly be welcomed warmly into a new home.

” I only hope the new residence won’t get a condominium,” he said. I’m a little concerned about that, she said, voicing her concerns about the safety of Bangkok’s highrise houses in the event of an earthquake.

Vet Wipawadee took advantage of the opportunity to tell the clinc’s supporters that” satong” wasn’t the only pet in need of a fresh home.

She wrote,” I have many more animals waiting for free implementation, not just satong.”

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Sniffer dogs withdrawn from Bangkok’s collapsed tower building

investigators begin digging through the rubble to find information.

Sniffer dogs and trainers arrive at the State Audit Office disaster site in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, soon after its collapse on March 28.(Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
Sniffing dogs and trainers arrive at the crisis site of the State Audit Office in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district shortly after its decline on March 28. ( Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill )

After 11 days of searching for individuals, sniffing puppies have been removed from the crashed State Audit Office tower in Bangkok. &nbsp,

As the investigation begins on Tuesday to find data from among the rubble, which will be the first step in the investigation into why the 30-storey, empty building collapsed in the March 28 earthquake.

Sniper dogs typically work a disaster site for seven to ten days, according to Suthikiart Sophanik, director of Thailand’s K9 USAR ( canine urban search and rescue ). The research at the location in the Chatuchak area had been going on for 11 days. &nbsp,

The dogs and their instructors had done their best, he said, and it was time to use powerful technology to haul the dust away.

K9 USAR Thailand had one puppy that, along with nine sniffing dogs and their coaches, and K9 USAR Canada had one there. &nbsp,

On Tuesday, the research into why the tower collapsed when another highrises in Bangkok remain structurally audio will start. The Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Department of Special Investigation, the Department of Public Works, Town and Country Planning, and others will play a key role in this.

The public works department and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute will monitor the quality of the masonry and steel at the decline site, according to Pol Maj Woranan Srilam, DSI chairman for customer protection, on Monday. The DSI will also examine the possibility of the design firm utilizing Thai nominees.

He provided financial advice to three Thai citizens who were listed as China Railway No. stockholders. 10 Engineering Co. to report to the police and share any information with the government. The ITD-CREC partnership has agreed to construct the 30-story State Audit Office at a cost of 2.1 billion ringgit.

Police investigators will gather samples of metal rods, material used in the design, and other product information, according to Pol Maj Gen Noppasin Poonsawat, assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

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