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Record sea temperatures leave Thai corals feeling the heat

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Record sea temperatures leave Thai corals feeling the heat

Sea surface temperatures along Thailand’s eastern gulf coast have reached record highs during a regional heatwave, leading to extensive coral bleaching and threatening the local marine ecosystem. This environmental crisis poses severe risks to tourism and the livelihoods of local communities.

Marine biologists and residents are deeply concerned about the impact of rising sea temperatures on marine life. The once vibrant and colorful corals, typically found about 5 meters underwater, have turned white, signaling widespread coral bleaching. This phenomenon indicates a significant decline in coral health due to elevated water temperatures.

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Recent data shows that sea surface temperatures in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand peaked at 32.73 degrees Celsius (90.91 F) earlier this month. Underwater measurements are slightly higher, with dive computers recording around 33 degrees Celsius. Lalita Putchim from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) expressed grave concern after a dive in the gulf.

“I couldn’t find a single healthy coral. Almost all species have bleached; there’s very little that’s not affected.” The Trat archipelago, which comprises over 66 islands and more than 28.4 square kilometers of coral reef, has been severely impacted. Lalita reported that up to 30% of the coral life in the area is experiencing bleaching, with 5% already dead. If water temperatures remain high, more coral will die, worsening the ecological crisis, she warned.

“It’s global boiling, not just global warming.”

The impact on marine life

The rising temperatures are also affecting other marine life and the livelihoods of local fishermen. Sommay Singsura, a fisherman, has seen his daily catch decrease significantly in recent years. Previously, he could earn up to 10,000 baht (US$275) a day, but now he sometimes returns empty-handed.

“There used to be jackfish, short mackerel, and many others… But now, the situation isn’t good. The weather isn’t like what it used to be.”

Coral reefs are crucial as both a food resource and habitat for marine life, as well as natural barriers that prevent coastal erosion. Scientists warn that if coral bleaching leads to a decrease in marine life, fishermen will need to spend more to get their catch, potentially driving up selling prices. Sarawut Siriwong, dean of the Faculty of Marine Technology at Burapha University, emphasized the broader implications:

“While this coral bleaching affects food security, it also puts the income stability of the community at stake.”

The deteriorating marine environment and the threat of heatstroke present significant challenges for Thailand’s tourism industry. Visitors who come to the eastern Gulf Coast for its natural beauty and marine attractions may find their plans disrupted by the extreme temperatures and declining marine health. The urgent need for action to address climate change and its effects on Thailand’s ecosystem and economy is increasingly evident.

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Pickup truck crash in Lampang kills one amid heavy rain

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Pickup truck crash in Lampang kills one amid heavy rain

Due to heavy rain, a pickup truck returning from Chiang Mai skidded off the road and crashed into a tree in Thoen, Lampang.

Despite the efforts of rescue teams, a 50-year-old woman tragically lost her life.
The accident was reported to Thoen Police Station in Lampang at 6:50 PM yesterday, July 30.

The incident occurred on Phahonyothin Road, between kilometer markers 632 and 633, near the Mae Thot intersection in Thoen district.

Rescue units from Mae Thot, Lampang, Thoen, and Ombun Thoen were promptly dispatched to the scene.

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Upon arrival, responders discovered a white, four-door Mazda pickup truck with a Surin registration overturned and severely damaged from colliding with a large roadside tree. Inside the vehicle, four injured individuals were trapped.
Rescue teams quickly extracted three injured and provided initial medical assistance before transferring them to a hospital.

However, a 50-year-old woman from the Na Pang subdistrict, Phu Phiang district, Nan province, who was seated in the back, sustained critical injuries and succumbed to them before she could be freed from the wreckage.
Initial investigations revealed that the group had traveled from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Pathom.

The accident occurred on a curved section of the road, worsened by wet and slippery conditions from the rain.

The vehicle lost control and crashed violently into the tree.
After extracting and treating the injured, the deceased’s body was transported to the hospital for further examination.
Police have launched a formal investigation into the accident. They are gathering evidence and statements from the injured to understand the exact circumstances leading to the crash.

The results of the investigation will guide necessary legal proceedings, reported KhaoSod.
Authorities advised.

“We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially in bad weather and on curved roads.”

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Police arrest violent debt collector after tip-off in Bangkok

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Police arrest violent debt collector after tip-off in Bangkok

Police apprehended a member of a violent debt collection gang linked to the assault of a 73-year-old woman following a tip-off. He was caught while attempting to flee from a motel on the outskirts of Bangkok.

High-ranking police officials, including Thiti Sangsawang, Noppasin Poolsawat, and Thiradech Thamsuthee, along with a team of investigators, successfully arrested Kritchit, also known as 33-year-old Chit Thasala, from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province today, July 30.

He is one of the three members of the gang responsible for violent debt collection activities, including physical assault, intimidation, kicking doors, cutting off electricity, and locking debtors inside their homes.

The Min Buri Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Kritchit on July 23 for operating an unauthorized personal loan business, charging excessive interest, and threatening debt collection practices.

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He was apprehended at a hotel in the Saphan Sung district as he tried to escape in his car. During interrogation, Kritchit denied all charges, stating he had only completed Grade 9 and initially worked as a fruit farmer in Phuket’s Thalang District. In 2022, he sold his orchard land and used the proceeds to start a money-lending business.

He collaborated with two other suspects, Ta and Khet, who are still at large, to lend money in the Min Buri, Ram Inthra, Rom Klao, and On Nut areas.

They charged an interest rate of 20% daily, with borrowers typically taking out 5,000 to 6,000 baht loans. Kritchit claimed that Ta and Khet were responsible for using violence against the debtors on the day of the incident.

“I only worked with Ta and Khet to lend money. They were the ones who used violence.”

However, police remain skeptical of his testimony. Investigations revealed that Kritchit is romantically involved with the younger sister of Kenwit, another gang member who was previously arrested for assaulting the older woman.

Kenwit’s gang had attacked the 73-year-old in the Chokchai area. After receiving a tip-off, Kritchit fled to the hotel, where he was captured.

Police have transferred Kritchit to the Min Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings. His capture is a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown against violent debt collection gangs operating in Bangkok and nearby areas.

As one of the lead investigators remarked, we are committed to cracking down on these illegal activities and ensuring the safety of our citizens.

Kritchit’s case will proceed through the legal system, and police are continuing their search for the remaining gang members, Ta and Khet. The investigation remains ongoing, with police hopeful that further arrests will follow, dismantling the entire network of violent debt collectors, reported Khaosod.

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Thai vendor denies assault, cites stress from poor sales

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Thai vendor denies assault, cites stress from poor sales

A Thai grilled squid vendor turned himself in and expressed remorse after allegedly striking a Pattaya city official who requested him to move his sidecar motorcycle from obstructing traffic.

The vendor, however, denied the physical assault, citing stress from poor sales as the trigger for the incident. He claimed their encounter was limited to a verbal disagreement and a shirt tug.

Pattaya police yesterday, July 29, invited Siwachett Nakham, a 42-year-old former temporary employee at the government’s Public Works Department and a current grilled squid vendor, to meet with an investigator to address the dispute.

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The altercation involved Siwachett and a 40-year-old Pattaya city official, Udon Woranam, who had requested Siwachett to move his vehicle, blocking traffic near Jomtien Beach in front of the Dongtan Police Box. Siwachett was accused of punching Udon after the latter politely asked him to move his motorcycle. Siwachett, who acknowledged being the person in the video, denied the physical assault, maintaining that he only had a verbal confrontation with Udon and tugged his shirt.

He cited stress from poor sales and financial burdens as the reasons behind his behavior.

“I did not intend to harm Mr Udon because I had worked with the Public Works Department before, so I knew hitting an official was a bad idea.”

Siwachett apologized for his actions, and Udon said he did not wish to pursue the matter further. Despite this, Pattaya City insisted on taking legal action against the vendor to set a precedent and deter similar future incidents.

Selling goods

Additionally, Udon advised other vendors to remain calm, control their emotions, and adhere to the designated areas for selling their goods according to the law.

Following resolving this dispute, traffic police officers from Pattaya Police Station raided vendors illegally selling goods on public sidewalks and roads around Pattaya. This operation was in response to tourists’ complaints about obstructions and hazards caused by unorganized vendors.

When authorities arrived near Pattaya Police Station’s Dong Tan substation, they encountered heavy traffic congestion caused by street vendors parking on the road. Some vendors attempted to evade arrest by speeding through the officers’ blockade, putting the safety of officers and nearby individuals at risk.

Thai police managed to apprehend 12 vendors, who will now face legal proceedings for violating traffic and cleanliness laws. The police also announced plans to increase daily inspections in collaboration with municipal officials to restore public spaces for residents and tourists, reported the Pattaya News.

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