Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Many Boats Capsized, and More

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from the last week, Monday, December 18th, 2023, to Sunday, December 24th, 2023.

They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

Let’s get started and see what the top stories were!
  1. The Mukdahan Provincial Court judge read the verdict in the notorious “Nong Chompoo” murder case, ordering Mr. Chaiphol Wipha, more commonly known as Uncle Phon, to 20 years in prison and dismissing the charges against his wife, Ms. Somporn Labpho or Aunt Taen. Uncle Phon has appealed the verdict and is currently out on bail.
  2. Thai national media gave an update on the recent coach bus accident on the Bangkok-Nathawi line, Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan, on December 5th. As a result, there were 16 casualties and many injuries reported. This incident has caused major discussion online about transport and bus safety in Thailand, including in terms of ensuring drivers have enough rest. This is due to fact finding by law enforcement seeming to point to the fact that the driver fell asleep.
  3. Thai central investigative officers and relevant agencies launched a search operation on eight locations in Chonburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok, to arrest a Taiwanese tycoon who allegedly hired a former SEAL instructor to attempt to kill his adopted son and wife.
  4. Pak Kret police officers received a report that a steel rail fell from a Pink Line electric train onto the ground causing many cars and a high voltage pole to be damaged at the Pak Kret market in Nonthaburi. As of press time, the portion of the Pink Line affected was shut down for investigation by relevant agencies and officials to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the rail falling. Luckily, no people were injured in this accident.
  5. A tourist speedboat, “Bandaya 19,” capsized near Bubu Island, about 3 km from Satun’s Lipe Island, Sunday (Dec 24). The boat carried 73 tourists, including 3 children and 4 crew members.

This was at least the fifth boat capsizing incident since Friday in Thailand (December 22nd). Many have involved foreign tourists and boats going out to sea in rough weather, leading to a crackdown from authorities from the Marine Department on small vessels going out in poor weather. A cold snap across Thailand has contributed to strong wind and waves and the capsizings, say Marine Officials.

That’s all for this week, as always thanks for your support!
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Goongnang Suksawat
Goong Nang is a News Translator who has worked professionally for multiple news organizations in Thailand for many years and has worked with The Pattaya News for five years. Specializes primarily in local news for Phuket, Pattaya, and also some national news, with emphasis on translation between Thai to English and working as an intermediary between reporters and English-speaking writers. Originally from Nakhon Si Thammarat, but lives in Phuket and Krabi except when commuting between the three.