‘We need to get him out’: SCDF’s race to save a life in quake-hit Myanmar

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DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS

Structure designers play a vital role in the team’s search and rescue operations. &nbsp,

Their task is to determine whether a structure is healthy for volunteers to activate by examining substances that have been dug out of the houses and identifying telltale signs of danger, such as cracks running through windows. &nbsp,

Major Ros Farina Mohd Fauzi Rodrigues, a civil engineer by training, discussed an activity she was a part of that involved a collapsed building close to a fell air traffic control tower at Naypyidaw International Airport.

A body was buried beneath the wreckage in this case and pin down by a powerful frame. She recalled that metallic bars were now bent and out of shape. Therefore, the team chose to dig out the dust manually rather than using any splitting tools.

You work as a fundamental expert like this. We work with the volunteers, both our men, as well as the fire service, to ensure that our firefighters are safe, according to MAJ Farina. &nbsp,

MAJ Chew Jia Han, an technically prepared NSman with a PhD in civil engineering, assisted with the goal as a recovery specialist. Given that they were assessing the properties based on what they could see on the floor, the designers faced their good share of problems, according to the 39-year-old. &nbsp,

As we get going with our operation, he said,” We may discover something that might change our initial analysis.” &nbsp,

When that occurs, the engineers may advise that the procedure be stopped and a reassessment of how to proceed safely. &nbsp,

Beyond performing search and rescue missions, the SCDF team established health outposts in disaster-stricken locales to provide health care to local residents. &nbsp,

Facilities in Myanmar were unable to provide essential services because of the earthquake’s architectural injury, according to SCDF. &nbsp,

Hospitals generally concentrated on key operations and urgent cases because there were a shortage of areas, equipment, and appropriate spaces for procedures. &nbsp,

This led to a lag in access to primary care for small health conditions and injuries, the article continued. In order to tackle this, health outposts were constructed in Pyokkon and on the ground at a resort in Dhakhinna Thiri Township.

One of two NSF physicians stationed at the troops was Captain Sarvananthan Rajavan. The 27-year-old claimed the medical staff provided fundamental care, treating problems ranging from physical problems to upper respiratory and gastrointestinal attacks, when he referred it to a GP office.

But they also encountered some serious circumstances, he claimed. For instance, one man was left with a glass shard that nearly tore open his proper big toe, which he and another NSF doctor had to thread up.

Before he was deployed, Dr. Rajragavan, who was 40 times away from his operational readiness day, stated that he did not anticipate serving in the Operation Lionheart force during his National Service. &nbsp,

You can never expect for a catastrophe to occur. But did I have any advice? Without a doubt. I believe that the education we go through and the training we go with will help us prepare for a crisis ( if it does occur ), he continued. &nbsp,

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GE2025: WP says it has no control over foreigners supporting its candidates after authorities flag foreign attempts to influence election

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The Workers ‘ Party ( WP ) clarified details about a meeting involving some of its Malay-Muslim candidates and an Islamic religious teacher on Saturday ( Apr 26 ), saying it has no control over foreigners supporting its candidates.

No promises were made to the teacher or anyone else in exchange for WP individuals ‘ social support, according to the statement.

The Ministry of Home Affairs ( MHA ) and the Elections Department of Singapore ( ELD ) made the announcement a day after it was revealed that several foreigners had posted online election advertisements encouraging Singaporeans to cast ballots according to their religion, including two former Singaporeans and a former Australian citizen. The government claimed they had instructed Meta to censor exposure to these content for users in Singapore.

The Workers ‘ Party ( WP ) candidates seek the support of all Singaporeans in the wards they are contesting in, the WP stated in a statement released on Saturday morning. The Workers ‘ Party has no influence over international organizations that support our prospects. Any interpretation of the same is completely incorrect.

The Workers ‘ Party met with various members of our spiritual communities, regardless of race or religion, during the course of our social work, according to the WP. Our spiritual leaders of all faiths have divergent viewpoints and opinions regarding common life in Singapore.

No “promesses, commitments, or contracts” were made at the meeting, according to the group, which also included other spiritual leaders.

On May 3, voters in Singapore did vote.

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Why are some women in Singapore embracing digital love and virtual boyfriends in this popular mobile game?

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THE JOURNEY TO SELF-WORTH

The majority of people claimed that the match had no significant impact on their feelings toward heart-related issues. Yet, it has influenced them more in terms of their own self-worth.

” I’m somewhat older and have experienced quite a bit in life, but I don’t think the game has had a significant impact on my real-life views on love, marriage, or interactions,” said Yvonne, who recently broke up with her boyfriend. That’s not to suggest it weren’t, but for me, it hasn’t.

Do I occasionally experience intimate feelings while playing the game, despite that? Yes, sometimes. It’s an uncontested game created for that reason, after all.

” But it’s another issue how profoundly those emotions engender.” At the end of the day, I like playing it. I enjoy the functions and interaction with various female heroes, but that’s where I draw the line, she continued.

Society generally holds that if we play online dating game to frequently, we won’t be able to take real relationships with men. The game teaches us how to treat and be recognized and helps us understand our value in a marriage.

However, psychology warn that truth and fiction may overlap as AI technology develops and sports like Adore and Deepspace become more compelling and practical.

The person feels fully immersed if the individual and the sport character engage in more back-and-forth “natural conversations.” They may think these interactions are true, but they struggle to tell the difference between real and imagined ones, says Ooi from The Counselling Place.

Balance is essential. Apply these activities to relax, reflect, or decompress, but be sure to keep them out of your daily life, Pong said.

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Cash handout faces legal hurdle

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B35 billion fund transfer is improper, according to the pair.

Eligible recipients queue to withdraw their money from a Government Savings Bank branch at the start of the first phase of the 10,000-baht cash handout, on Oct 1 last year.
On October 1st, last year, a group of eligible consumers waited to withdraw their money from a Government Savings Bank tree at the start of the second phase of the 10,000-baht money flyer.

The government is facing a fresh legal challenge after a complaint was sent to the NACC to request that it look into a 35-billion-baht total used to pay for its 10, 000-baht cash handout.

The latest government officials, former Srettha Thavisin administration officials, as well as the legislators and MPs who supported the budget costs for the 2025 fiscal year are among those who are implicated in the case.

The petition was signed by Jade Donavanik, a previous democratic writing commission director, Somchai Swangkarn, a former legislator, and Charnchai Issarasenarak, a former Democrat MP.

They charged these government officials, Members, and senators with breaking both Part 144 of the law and Area 88 of the Anti-Corruption Act, which is the network’s fundamental laws.

Mr. Charnchai and Mr. Jade have requested that the NACC conduct an investigation into the situation, and if the investigation finds sufficient grounds, it may refer the situation to the Constitutional Court for decision-making.

The House approved the 3.75-trillion-baht resources costs for the 2025 fiscal year, according to Mr. Charnchai, in its first reading of the bill on June 21, next year.

A 35 billion baht resources will be used to pay debts to state-run banks under Part 28 of the Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act, according to the government led by the then-prime secretary, Mr. Srettha, before the next studying. To finance the 10,000-baht cash handout scheme, it was diverted to a central fund.

Despite the constitution forbidding such actions, the House committee that was looking at the budget consented.

The decision, according to the former MP, had an impact on several state-run banks, including the Government Savings Bank ( 2.68 billion baht ), Government Housing Bank ( 592 million baht ), and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives ( 2.68 billion baht ).

These budgetary adjustments were originally intended to make up for the loss of revenue generated by the implementation of government initiatives like a farmer’s debt suspension program and a crop price guarantee project.

Under Section 28 of the Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act, Section 144 of the Constitution prohibits the slashing of budget allocations used to fulfill legal obligations, particularly those set aside for bank debt payments.

Additionally, Mr. Charnchai reported that an additional 1.25 billion baht was diverted from the central fund to a fund for former parliamentarians, which was in violation of Section 144 ( 2 ) of the constitution, which forbids MPs or senators from devoting budget allocations for personal benefits.

In its second and third readings, he claimed that the bill received a total of 309 MPs, 175 senators, and 72 committee members who were watching the 2025 budget bill closely. Therefore, Mr. Charnchai said, each of them is connected to the allegation.

According to Mr. Jade, the NACC’s investigation is anticipated to last no longer than two months. The NACC can submit the case to the Constitutional Court if it finds enough evidence in the evidence to support its case, which is expected to take 15 days to consider the case before rendering a decision.

According to observers, the Paetongtarn administration could be involved in the case because the Srettha government’s 10-millibaht cash handout is still being implemented.

The government approved a third phase of the digital wallet program in March, which will give 10, 000 baht to 2.7 million people between the ages of 16 and 20 as part of its economic stimulus package.

As the system designed to make this happen, Ms. Paetongtarn previously stated that digital wallets would be used to distribute and spend this portion of the 10,000-baht giveaway.

Welfare cardholders, those with disabilities, and those over the age of 60 were covered by the first two phases of the program, which included payments made using PromptPay.

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Thai troops to join major military exercise

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Jonathan Kings, the New Zealand ambassador, fourth from left, Angela Macdonald, the Australian ambassador, fifth from left, Admiral David Johnston, chief of the Australian Defense Force (in white), and military representatives from New Zealand, Australia, and Thailand after laying wreaths to honour the fallen at the memorial site during the dawn service on Friday. (Photo: Australian Embassy Thailand)
After laying garlands in honor of the fallen at the memorial page at the dawn support on Friday, the New Zealand adviser walked away from the scene, followed by Angela Macdonald, the American ambassador, who is second from left, and Admiral David Johnston, the captain of the Australian Defense Force ( in white ). ( Photo: Thai Australian Embassy )

The largest martial exercise always conducted in Australia, Exercise Talisman Sabre, is scheduled for mid-July. Thailand will take part in it.

The discovery was made at a memorial Anzac Day ceremony held on Friday at Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi territory, where the embassies of Australia and New Zealand in Thailand celebrated the 110th celebration of the landings in Gallipoli.

Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought and died in all war were honored in the solemn dawn services, especially those who perished as war prisoners while building the Thai-Burma Railway under Chinese control at Hellfire Pass.

Admiral David Johnston, the commander of the American Defence Force, spoke at the ceremony and reaffirmed Australia’s robust defense ties with Thailand. He emphasized the significance of the Anzac history.

Thailand will be one of 19 nations participating in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025, which will take place in Australia in July and may require more than 30 000 military officers, according to Adm. Johnston.

Adm Johnston said,” Thailand’s membership demonstrates our shared responsibility to regional stability and our growing defense assistance.” It’s important to foster believe, portability, and people-to-people connections, not just about developing warfighting abilities.

The largest mixed education exercise between the Australian Defence Force and the US government is Talisman Sabre, which is currently in its 11th generation, and it serves as a significant show of their strategic empire.

Multi-domain operations, such as marine landings, flying insertions, power demonstrations, and shared combat instruction across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains will be the focus of the 2025 edition.

Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Tonga, and the United Kingdom are also represented by the participating nations. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei will all be present as spectators.

Adm. Johnston emphasized that the exercise strengthens combined skills in places like humanitarian aid and crisis comfort, skills that have become extremely important in light of recent natural disasters, including the recent earthquake in Thailand.

Joint exercises like these allow us to work seamlessly together, under shared goals, and with mutual trust, he noted.

Adm. Johnston cited historical ties that date back to the end of World War II, when Thai forces assisted Australia in recovering and rapatriating the remains of Australian soldiers from Hellfire Pass.

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Thailand, Australia target global crime

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Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, CIB Commissioner, exchanges mementoes with AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw. (Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham)
Pol Lt. Gen. Jirabhop Bhuridej, CIB Commissioner, and AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw exchange memories. Wassayos Ngamkham is the photographer.

Thai and Asian authorities have launched a joint operation to demolish transnational criminal systems in a significant step toward preventing international murder. The collaboration aims to address complex crimes that transcend borders, from cocaine to child abuse and cryptocurrency-based money fraud.

Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police’s Central Investigation Bureau ( CIB ), led a delegation to Australia earlier this month for discussions with its law enforcement counterpart, the Australian Federal Police ( AFP).

According to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop,” the nature of international crime nowadays demands real-time cleverness, cross-border cooperation, and scientific integration.” ” We are no longer focusing on isolated businesses. Our goal is to create a co-operative system that is flawless.

Both sides came to terms with the necessity of creating shared task forces and information-sharing procedures during the visit. Thailand’s officers displayed their skills in industry operations and local knowledge, especially in the Greater Mekong Subregion, while the AFP introduced tools and systems developed for international crime surveillance.

He claimed that the Australians liked how quickly we operated. Our officers are trained to manage challenging terrain and access challenging locations, which are frequently the hub of these legal networks.

Digital Trails, Drug Routes

One of the main points of discussion was drug smuggling. Thailand, a long-standing transport nation, is a key player in the transition from Myanmar’s Shan State’s manufacturing hubs to Australia’s high-value markets.

” Crystal meth, or “ya glacier,” continues to be the main drug coming into Australia from Southeast Asia,” remarked Pol Lt. Gen. Jirabhop. It’s inexpensive to produce, high-quality, and low, which makes it very beneficial for organized crime organizations.

Another medications, such as cocaine and MDMA, are still popular among those who are younger and in the heart of entertainment. Despite the knowledge shared by the AFP, medications are frequently kept hidden inside reasonable shipping pots filled with gadgets, household items, or car parts, a tactic used to obstruct border inspections.

Thailand and Australia are looking into preventing actions in response, including sharing information on known traffickers and trafficking routes and improved goods screening. The possible development of a joint databases that both countries can use to track supplies and suspects in real-time is a key growth.

The conflict goes way beyond traditional contraband, though. Today’s criminal organizations are becoming more tech-savvy, frequently laundering profits using electronic money and online wallets. He claimed that” criptocurrency is the new frontier for criminals.” They” industry anonymously, move money immediately, and escape conventional financial oversight,” they claim.

Thailand also faces legitimate and structural restrictions, despite the AFP’s advanced crypto-tracking technology. Digital property lack a clear position as admissible evidence in Thai law, putting a strain on efforts to freeze or acquire funds.

” Despite the difficulties, we are moving forward,” he said. To tighten controls on illicit money flows, we are working with partners like Interpol ( International Criminal Police Organization ), Aseanapol ( Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police ), and financial intelligence organizations like Amlo ( Anti-Money Laundering Office ) and Austrac ( Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre ).

Both nations are investing in the future of law enforcement through engineering, management training, and inter-agency cooperation, in addition to their functional work. Data management is a promising area of cooperation. The AFP, which has developed related methods for predicted surveillance and case integration, is of particular attention to the CIB’s Big Data Centre.

We had in-depth debate about Thailand’s Big Data Center and how it could work with the AFP’s Investigation Management System, according to Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop. There are many things that we can understand from one another, particularly in terms of system infrastructure and software in real-world situations.

The American Criminal Intelligence Commission, which manages the nation’s potent database that connects crime data from across Australia, received similar industrial synergies during discussions with them.

” We think this is a concept that is for replicating,” said Pol Lt. Gen. Jirabhop. ” Centralizing crime data prevents effort duplication because it allows companies to answer more quickly, identify patterns sooner, and prevent duplication.”

Leadership growth was also high on the plan. To discuss leadership training programs, Thai officials met with the Australian Institute of Police Management ( AIPM). Programs are being made to take Thai officers to AIPM for superior training, and to invite American trainers to Thailand to share their experience. He claimed that “effective policing depends on good leadership.” It’s about creating institutions that can adapt, innovate, and lead in a fast-changing world, not just about catching criminals.

The Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre ( JPC3 ), an Australian multi-agency hub that brings together police, cybercrime experts, banks, and tech companies in one location with shared databases and real-time coordination, is a standout example of innovation.

He claimed that it provides the kind of integrated approach we require. We want to use this model in Thailand to combat cybercrime and financial crime more effectively.

Security Partnership

Thailand and Australia’s shared commitment to public safety is emerging as a cornerstone of regional stability as transnational criminal threats become more sophisticated.

Both of our countries are clearly facing common threats, according to Pol Lt. Gen. Jirabhop. By uniting through joint operations, intelligence sharing, and institutional development, we convey to criminal networks that we are prepared, connected, and resolute.

Both parties are optimistic about the plans to formalize this cooperation through more structured frameworks and regular exchanges. As crime continues to become more global, so must the response. ” This is only the beginning,” Pol Lt. Gen. Jirabhop declared. A partnership for peace, safety, and justice across our nations is something we’re building that will endure.

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Claw machines in crosshairs

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PUBLISHED : 26 Apr 2025 at 03:30

Claw machines are seen at a mall in Thailand. Authorities are cracking down on these machines, saying they mostly operate without licences and encourage gambling among youngsters. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)
Claw machines are seen at a mall in Thailand. Authorities are cracking down on these machines, saying they mostly operate without licences and encourage gambling among youngsters. (Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb)

The government said it is willing to look into problems related to claw machines following recent police crackdowns amid concerns over youth gambling.

PM’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai said yesterday the government welcomes public complaints lodged with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) if claw machines are found to be negatively affecting consumers.

She said the authorities are also monitoring social media for issues that may have repercussions on consumers, and appropriate measures will be put in place if risks are found.

This comes after a police crackdown on claw machines in several parts of Thailand. On Thursday, security officials in Nonthaburi’s Bang Yai district inspected the machines installed in public spaces such as malls and convenience stores.

District chief Surachai Kotbutdee said authorities discovered four claw machines accepting coins or banknotes ranging from 10 to 100 baht near Bang Yai City Market.

None of the machines had identifiable owners, and the authorities were unable to determine who was responsible for them. As a result, the machines were seized and handed over to Bang Yai police for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Mr Surachai cited the Gambling Act 1935, which classifies claw machines as gambling devices that can entice the general public.

Critics say the machines encourage negative behaviour, especially among youth, potentially leading to addiction, gambling, and irresponsible financial habits.

Mr Surachai said more machines will be seized and prosecutions made.

On Wednesday, Nakhon Nayok police reportedly seized 77 claw machines in the province. None were found to have the proper licences.

Lawyer Ronnarong Kaewpetch, chair of the social justice campaign network, said their legal status depends on how they function.

Machines where players must pay for a chance to win — without a guaranteed prize — are considered gambling. Conversely, machines that dispense a prize every time, regardless of its value, are not considered gambling and thus not subject to prosecution.

The lawyer pointed out that in 2020, the Interior Ministry issued an instruction to provincial governors, reiterating that claw machines cannot be legally licensed because of the country’s anti-gambling policy.

Some operators said they have obtained permission from local authorities, the lawyer claimed, but the Interior Ministry’s policy prohibits such licensing.

Operators who wish to fight their case and clear themselves of gambling-related charges must clearly declare how their machines operate, said Mr Ronnarong.

More investigations need to be conducted on how these machines are being imported into Thailand, he said.

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Complaints target ‘zero dollar’ steel factory

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Content inspection by the House Committee in Rayong

PUBLISHED: 26 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

In response to allegations of illegal operations and concerns about economic compliance, the House committee on national protection and border affairs will check a Rayong steel factory in early next month.

A task force headed by Industry Minister Akanat Promphan will join the committee chair and main opposition People’s Party ( PP ) MP for Rayong, Chutipong Pipobpinyo, who is also the chairman of the committee and the main opposition People’s Party ( PP ) MP for Rayong.

He stated that the organized visit is to investigate information that the Xin Ke Yuan Steel Company’s Pluak Daeng district’s following factory had been constructed despite a suspension order.

Since the State Audit Office ( SAO ) building in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district collapsed in the March 28 earthquake, Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co has been subject to investigation.

ITD-CREC, a cooperative venture between China Railway No. 216 and SET-listed Italian-Thai Development Plc, was constructing the building. For the SAO building job, 10 Thailand Co. and Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co. sourced the material.

The Chinese company even attracted attention in December of last year when its Rayong stock was shut down as a result of an accident involving a fuel tank leak.

Mr. Akanat met with the council on Thursday to explain efforts to end Thailand’s “zero-dollar business,” a term used to describe job that generates no money and worth for the country.

According to the business minister, foreign companies may be granted investment privileges if they are found to have broken the laws, the PP MP said, adding that the procedure to withdraw them may be suggested by a government involved.

The Industry Ministry will, for instance, propose to the Board of Investment ( BoI ) that the Board of Investment ( BoI ) be given the right to terminate investment privileges in the event of non-compliance with industrial standards.

Mr. Chutipong claimed that BoI representatives informed the screen that the organization conducts inspections of foreign companies with investment privileges, but they did not specify how often these inspections are carried out.

The large number of Chinese technicians employed by these companies as part of the purchase privilege scheme, which may not be in line with the goals of a policy that was intended to promote employment opportunities for Thais, was also noted by the PP MP.

He claimed that Xin Ke Yuan Steel Co employs 9.4 % of its labor, with the remainder being migrant workers.

What benefit does Rayong Province receive from granting these businesses purchase protections? What benefit does it have if Thai citizens aren’t employed? he inquired.

Mr. Chutipong stated that the council would follow up on the issue of Thai personnel being employed by businesses that have BoI privileges.

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Jerky lands duo in doghouse

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PUBLISHED: 26 Apr 2025 at 03: 30

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

An animal rights organization claims that two people have been detained in the Aranyaprathet district of Sa Kaeo province for allegedly killing a neighbor’s dog and using its meats to make slow.

After receiving a complaint from the dog’s owner, Thawatchai Thavornsilp, the Watchdog Thailand Foundation ( WDT ) posted details about the incident on social media yesterday.

Their neighbor’s house opened fire at their neighbor’s residence on the day of the event, but according to Mr. Thawatchai, his wife did not believe something was wrong because their neighbors frequently shot dogs for their meat.

He and his wife after discovered that one of their four dogs had vanished, but he went to his neighbors ‘ homes and inquired about seeing his dog. They simply stated that they had to leave and run some errands, not that they did not respond to his query.

Mr. Thawatchai claimed to have witnessed puppy meat being heated to make slow while staying at the house. He recognized a dog whose cover matched that of his dog when he noticed one of the others who had been killed by his neighbors.

Two suspects were discovered in the home after Mr. Thawatchai lodged a grievance: Sawaeng Ngamboonchuay, 68, and Prasit Huntayung, 56.

They asserted that the dog that was killed was theirs and that the WDT was carefully monitoring the situation at Aranyaprathet Provincial Police Station.

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