Whatsabout sg

27/10/2024

54-year-old motorcyclist died after he skidded on a road in Tampines on Oct 26.
Incident happens 3.30-4pm.

12/10/2024

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧'𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬

Graves at the old St John’s Church cemetery in Jurong are scheduled for exhumation to make way for new homes in Tengah which is part of Tengah’s Plantation District. This 140-year-old cemetery was established in 1884. Due to the site works ongoing currently, the cemetery is not accessible to the public.

According to an exhumation notice published in August by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) and National Environment Agency (NEA), next of kins have until 30 April 2025 to register their claims for the affected graves via go.gov.sg/sjccexhumation.

Those who register a claim for graves at the cemetery can choose to take up services by NEA’s appointed contractor. If they do so, NEA will bear the cost of exhumation, cremation, and other services such as niche allocation, inland ash scattering or sea burial.

The Straits Times reported an HDB spokesperson saying that site surveys showed up to 26 graves could be in the cemetery which spans about 1ha, equivalent to about 1½ football fields. The exact number of graves will only be known after the exhumation works are completed.

“HDB conducted photographic documentation of the tombstones and their approximate locations as part of efforts to support the identification of the tombstones by next of kin,” said the HDB spokesperson.

According to the Straits Times, the impacted cemetery belonged to St John’s Church initially in Jurong. After the government repossessed its land in the early 1990s, it is now relocated within St Margaret’s School (Secondary) and renamed St John’s Chapel in 1990.

St John’s Church was built in 1884, following missionary work by Reverend William Henry Gomes and Mr Cheok Loi Fatt of the St Andrew’s Church Mission among farmers in the Jurong area. A St John’s Chapel publication in 2004 indicated that the church was built on a 1.2ha plot of land donated by one of its four baptised members – a man called Hong Seng. Hong Kah Village was established in the area after parishioners approached church leaders for a place to live, and the cemetery – which was part of the church – is believed to have been where the former villagers were laid to rest.

Check out related readings at Rojak Librarian via https://mymindisrojak.blogspot.com/2023/02/the-end-of-former-st-johns-church.html.

Image: The Straits Times



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11/10/2024

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞

September 10 marks World Su***de Prevention Day, with the theme for 2024 to 2026 being “Changing the Narrative on Su***de.” This theme is accompanied by the call to action, “Start the Conversation,” aimed at raising awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open dialogues to prevent su***des.

This year, TBWA\Singapore and Samaritans of Singapore Limited (SOS) have launched “The Living Note,” an awareness campaign running until the end of the year. The campaign encourages open conversations about mental health and delivers a powerful message from a su***de attempt survivor: seek help if you're experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Jason Chua, founder of Beng Who Cooks, courageously shares his story behind the note he wrote when he struggled with suicidality, and the inspiration behind his "Living Note." His collaboration with the campaign reminds those facing painful moments that it’s perfectly okay to seek help.

On the surface, Jason seemed to have it all—a thriving business, a new role as a father, and a new home. However, the reality was different. To Jason, this new phase in his life felt overwhelming, and between 2021 and 2022, he attempted su***de three times.

In what he thought would be his final note, Jason wrote, “I hated myself for not living up to the standard. No one knows what I’m going through, not even my friends. Life’s so messed up. Guess it’s time to go.”

Two years later, he wrote a different note: “Today’s pain and struggle might not have the final words on our lives. It helps to remember that we can always reach out to a listening ear.”

Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or struggling to continue with your life can happen to anyone. Remember, you are never alone. Reach out for help. Let SOS help turn a Leaving Note into a Living Note.

𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝑺𝑶𝑺'𝒔 24-𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝑯𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒕 1767 𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆𝑻𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒂𝒕 9151 1767 (𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒔𝑨𝒑𝒑) 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕.

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention

Sometimes, the reasons to leave may feel stronger than the reasons to live.In conjunction with World Su***de Prevention Day (10 September), Jason Chua, found...

11/10/2024

𝐅𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, India, and Sweden are currently among the most dangerous countries in the world for women, due to their alarmingly high rates of r**e incidents. According to various data sources, these nations face severe challenges in curbing sexual violence against women, emphasizing the need for urgent social and legal reforms.

World Population Review defines r**e as an unlawful act that typically involves sexual in*******se carried out forcibly or under threat of injury against a person’s will. R**e is a global problem and often sexual in*******se with a minor is referred to as statutory r**e.

While men can also be victims of r**e, historically, women are more frequently targeted due to their vulnerability to being overpowered. R**e remains a serious crime that causes immense emotional and physical harm. However, the prevalence of sexual violence and societal attitudes toward it vary widely across the globe.

𝑳𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 5 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔
1. 𝑆𝑜𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎
South Africa is notorious for its exceptionally high r**e statistics, with 132.4 incidents per 100,000 people, according to a survey by the South African Medical Research Council. Disturbingly, one in four South African men has admitted to committing r**e. This issue highlights a deep-rooted crisis of gender-based violence that the nation continues to struggle with.

2. 𝐵𝑜𝑡𝑠𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑎
Botswana has the highest reported r**e rate globally, with 92.93 incidents per 100,000 people in 2024, according to the World Population Review. Alarmingly, nearly 70% of women in Botswana have experienced some form of abuse. Societal stigma, fear of retaliation, and a legal framework that does not criminalize marital r**e are among the key factors contributing to this crisis.

3. 𝐿𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑜
Lesotho ranks second, with 82.68 r**e incidents per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, as reported by Best Diplomats. In this southern African nation, 56% of respondents say women will face consequences for reporting gender-based violence, leading to widespread underreporting. Acute poverty further complicates the issue, with some victims even being forced into marriage with their attackers.

4. 𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑎
India has seen a significant rise in reported r**e cases in 2021, with over 31,000 incidents recorded, a 20% increase over a decade from 2011. In 2022, an average of 90 r**es were reported daily, as per data from India's National Crime Records Bureau. Despite these statistics, 77% of Indian women who have experienced assault do not report it, largely due to fears of retaliation, societal stigma, and lack of trust in local law enforcement. Convictions are uncommon.

5. 𝑆𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑛
Although often viewed as a peaceful country, Sweden ranks fifth globally, with 63.54 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, according to the World Population Review. Factors influencing this include a broad legal definition of r**e, greater public awareness leading to higher reporting rates, and the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing these cases.

𝑪𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑮𝒍𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
Sexual violence remains a critical global issue that demands immediate and concerted action from both local authorities and international communities. There is a pressing need to ensure better protection and deliver justice for victims worldwide.

Source/Image: Pulse.ng

**e

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11/10/2024

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝟏𝟐 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will conduct flying activities this Saturday, 12 Oct, as part of Exercise Bersama Lima. Aircraft noise may be expected and the public is advised not to be alarmed.

Exercise Bersama Lima is a Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) multilateral exercise involving air, land and maritime forces from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

For more information on the purpose, founding principles and key activities, visit the official website of FPDA at https://www.fivepowerdefencearrangements.org.

Image: RSAF



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10/10/2024

𝟐 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝐒𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝-𝐔𝐩

In the early hours on 8 Oct, two 2-storey shophouses at 84 & 85 Syed Alwi Road partially collapsed.

On its page, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said they were alerted at about 1.30am. Upon arrival, SCDF immediately searched the area to ascertain if anyone was trapped under the debris. Also, they deployed two search dogs and a drone to augment their search operation. In addition, a firefighting machine was deployed as a precautionary measure, as passersby reported hearing a loud blast. The machine would disperse any potential build-up of flammable gases using its water mist spray function.

SCDF rescued a victim from the second storey of unit 84 using a ladder, who could not evacuate earlier due to the blocked staircase. According to SCDF, six persons were assessed by paramedics for minor injuries with two conveyed to Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital and four declined to be sent to the hospital. “No one was found trapped under the debris”, said SCDF.

Preliminary fire investigation findings from SCDF indicated that a likely buildup of flammable gas within 84 Syed Alwi Road (operated as a restaurant) led to the blast and partial collapse of both units at 84 & 85 Syed Alwi Road.

Following no flammable gas readings being detected at the scene, SCDF handed the incident site to the Construction Authority (Singapore) (BCA) “to work with the owners of the two shophouses and their appointed Professional Engineers to ensure safety of the structure”.

Taking over, BCA deployed engineers to assess the structural integrity of the shophouse units and the adjacent buildings. “The rear part of the two shophouse units have partially collapsed. The front façade and staircase of unit 84 were also damaged by the suspected explosion. The other adjacent buildings were not affected and are safe.” said BCA.

In the interest of public safety, BCA engineers instructed the owners, to put in place immediate safety measures to cordon off the two units from public access, who also were served Dangerous Building Order and Closure Order to close off the buildings. Additionally, the respective owners are required to "immediately appoint a PE to advise on the immediate precautionary measures to obviate the danger, carry out detailed investigations and recommend permanent rectification measures to be carried out."

Member of Parliament Denise Phua (PAP-Jalan Besar) was present at the incident site “to offer whatever appropriate help my grassroots and CDC can render”.

The MP applauded SCDF whose “prompt and solid response has once again ensured minimisation of risks of life and property”. She added, “When fires or other mishaps happen in commercial or public housing, Singapore can always count on our quiet heroes in SCDF and other agencies like the police, , and to come to the rescue and bring things back to normal again. Something we can ill afford to take for granted. Thank you Team!”

Video: TikTok
Images: Facebook Singapore Civil Defence Force / Denise Phua Lay Peng



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In the early hours on 8 Oct, two 2-storey shophouses at 84 & 85 Syed Alwi Road partially collapsed.A victim from the second storey of unit 84 using a ladder,...

09/10/2024

𝐑𝐈𝐏: 𝟐𝟑 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐨𝐤 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞

A tribute to the 23 victims in traffic tragedy which believed to be Thailand’s deadliest in a decade.

On the fateful day of 1 Oct, the Uthai Thani-based Wat Khao Phraya Sangkaram School organised a field trip and three tour buses for its primary students and teachers. While travelling to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi, one of the three buses, which carried more gas tanks than its official allowable capacity, caught fire. Of 44 passengers on board, 23 perished in the inferno, which were 20 students and 3 teachers.

On 8 Oct morning, the general public joined cabinet members and provincial officials to attend the final rites of the 23 individuals. Their Majesties, the King and Queen, sponsored the religious ceremony where the 23 victims were cremated in pyres set up on the school grounds.

Read previous related post via:- https://www.facebook.com/whatsaboutsg/posts/pfbid02qUWLmh12h5ZnUorwGUVjMUmK84d19RGqtDh5BoVjNbeVhxk3ZVgCWgpUc5pJqm6fl

Image/Video: Social media / Facebook @



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A tribute to the 23 victims in traffic tragedy which believed to be Thailand’s deadliest in a decade.On the fateful day of 1 Oct, the Uthai Thani-based Wat K...

09/10/2024

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐚

On 8 Oct in the afternoon, two vehicles appeared to be damaged in a traffic accident just before the carpark exit of Mount Elizabeth Novena.

An in-vehicle camera recording at 3.26pm showed that, at the T-junction serving Irrawaddy Road and Sinaran Drive towards Mount Elizabeth Novena, one could see a police vehicle, a black sedan car and a white hatchback car.

Both the police car and the black car were stationary in the right lane while the white car stopped on the left of the carpark exit of Mount Elizabeth Novena.

Turning right into Irrawaddy Road towards the hospital, it could be seen that the black car crashed into the road barrier with its front edging over the concrete road divider, while the white car, having hazard lights on and its boot opened, was stationary and facing any outgoing vehicles exiting the carpark of the hospital.

Neither debris was seen on the road surrounding the two damaged vehicles, nor any person in any of the two cars, according to the recording. Two persons were standing on the grass patch next to the white car, while slightly ahead were three police officers speaking to a man.



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On 8 Oct in the afternoon, two vehicles appeared to be damaged in a traffic accident just before the carpark exit of Mount Elizabeth Novena.An in-vehicle cam...

09/10/2024

RIP Dr Lee

09/10/2024

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥-𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐀𝐭 𝐔𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐢 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥.

On 8 Oct morning, the general public joined cabinet members and provincial officials to attend the final rites of the 23 individuals who were charred to death in a bus fire tragedy just outside Bangkok.

On the fateful day of 1 Oct, the Uthai Thani-based Wat Khao Phraya Sangkaram School organised a field trip and three tour buses for its primary students and teachers. While travelling to Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi, one of the three buses, which carried more gas tanks than its official allowable capacity, caught fire. Of 44 passengers on board, 23 perished in the inferno, which were 20 students and 3 teachers.

The 23 victims were cremated in pyres set up on the school grounds in a ceremony sponsored by Their Majesties, the King and Queen. Presiding over the religious ceremony was Privy Council President General Surayud Chulanont.

Attendees include Deputy PM and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Education Minister Pol General Permpoon Chidchob, former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, and acting National Police chief Pol General Kitrat Phanphet.

Uthai Thani governor Teerapat Kutchamath said there were four tents on the school grounds to accommodate attendees, including the victims’ parents and families, officials and school staff. He said the cremation of all the bodies was in 4 shifts, each expecting about an hour, with the first three shifts devoted to the young students and the last saved for the deceased teachers. The governor added that 200 medical staffers were present to first aid attendees suffering from dehydration or heat exhaustion.

Read related previous post via:- https://www.facebook.com/whatsaboutsg/posts/pfbid06R6Cq4yvKya5d2hTv1mfAjHaTJx4rgCEB9dVvbbJjpMx3mdLJhPitvxzTEvaq4F1l

Image: The Nation Thailand / FB prduthaithani



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08/10/2024

𝐈𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

On 7 Oct, accompanied by a relative, former transport minister S. Iswaran, 62, turned up at State Court at about 3.30pm, ahead of the 4pm deadline, for the start of his jail sentence lasting 12 months.

Earlier at 1.20pm on the same day, through his page, Iswaran announced that he “will not be appealing the sentence handed down by the Court”, which was handed down on 3 Oct.

“It was important to me that the Public Prosecutor amended the charges against me under the Prevention of Corruption Act to those under section 165 of the Penal Code regarding the acceptance of gifts by public servants. I accept that as a Minister what I did was wrong under section 165. I accept full responsibility for my actions and apologise unreservedly to all Singaporeans.” said Iswaran in his statement posted on Facebook.

He added, “My family’s wellbeing and the emotional toll on my loved ones of a long trial extending well into 2025, and possibly beyond, has also weighed heavily on me. The past 15 months have already been most difficult.”.

He hoped “With this decision, I hope that we can put the pain and anguish behind us, move forward and rebuild our lives together.”.

Iswaran thanked those who stood by him and helped him face the probe. He was very touched by his family’s love, prayers and support.

He also conveyed his indebtedness to his “friends and grassroots leaders for their unstinting support, faith and encouragement”, and gratitude for his “lawyers, and also to the many who have expressed their concern and support for me, in person and through social media.”.

Iswaran continued saying “Serving my constituents and Singaporeans over the past 3 decades has been the greatest honour of my life.”.

He ended his statement by saying “As this chapter of my life comes to a close, my family and I look to the future with gratitude and renewed hope.”.

Iswaran was sentenced with the 5 charges as follows:
- Six months’ jail for obtaining 10 2017 Singapore F1 Grand Prix Green Room tickets;
- Three months and three weeks’ jail for (flights and hotel accommodation) expenses related to the Doha trip;
- Four months’ jail for obstructing justice by paying $5,700 to Singapore GP to cover the cost of his business-class flight ticket;
- Two months’ jail for obtaining 14 bottles of whiskey and wine;
- Three months’ jail for obtaining a Brompton T Line bicycle.

The judgement exceeded the requests of both the prosecution and the defence. Deputy Attorney-General Tai Wei Shyong asked for six to seven months in jail, while Iswaran’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Davinder Singh argued for no more than eight weeks.

Justice Vincent Hoong primarily considered general deterrence to set an example for others who commit offences. He said the prosecution and defence had asked for “manifestly inadequate” jail terms. The judge added that Iswaran, as a minister and chairman of the Formula One steering committee, wielded influence in matters of great public interest, even if there was no evidence the gifts had influenced decisions over Formula One or its contracts.

Click here to read previous related post:- https://www.facebook.com/whatsaboutsg/posts/pfbid035NoWqV9qScnVKc6LeKu8z7jmTLY2HCfttmSV9TvbMHg14S3z3sZvRc7CiWFQAo3ul

Image: The Straits Times



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07/10/2024

𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 & 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬 𝐀𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐆𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞

On 3 Oct, weeping family members, relatives and friends mourned at the funeral of twenty children and three teachers who died in a horrific school bus inferno on 1 Oct. Earlier the same day, a funeral procession was held with families weeping and clutching framed photographs of the victims. The deceased are expected to be cremated on 8 Oct.

White and gold coffins lined the hall at Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Lan Sak, a small town in central Thailand. Relatives placed food, clothes, and toys on some of the coffins. A representative of the Thai royal family performed a Buddhist rite, symbolising purification, by pouring water on the coffins and laying wreaths. Hundreds of people, including several cabinet ministers, attended the mass funeral.

In addition to attending the service, Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob provided financial aid to the victims' families. He explained that "merit-making ceremonies" (Buddhist rituals) had been held for those who lost their lives. He added, "We prayed for the speedy recovery of the students still in the hospital."

On 2 Oct, some residents and monks in Lan Sak stayed up late to receive the bodies from a mortuary in Bangkok. Buddhist prayers for the victims will continue for four days, followed by a royal cremation ceremony next week, as ordered by Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Across Thailand, teachers and students laid white flowers in schools to mourn those who perished in what is believed to be Thailand’s deadliest traffic accident in a decade. Nineteen children and three teachers survived the fire, with 16 of them currently being treated in the hospital for injuries. The ages of the children onboard remain unclear, but the school serves students aged 3 to 15.

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚
The driver, Samarn Chanphut, 48, initially fled the scene but later turned himself in to the police that night. Acting national police chief Kitrat Phanphet stated that Samarn will face charges of causing death by careless driving and has been suspended from driving. If found responsible, he could lose his licence.

Following the tragedy, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) suspended the operating licence of Panisara Chinnaboot, the operator of the Sing Buri-based Chinnaboot Tour. The licence could be revoked if the company is found negligent. The bus was one of three vehicles transporting students from Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School on a field trip to a science museum in northern Bangkok.

𝑷𝒐𝒐𝒓 𝑹𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒔𝒊𝒂
Thailand has the second-worst road safety record in Asia, after Nepal, with approximately 20,000 road deaths annually - an average of more than 50 deaths per day. Contributing factors include speeding, drink-driving, and poor vehicle standards. Weak enforcement of regulations, exacerbated by rampant corruption, has long undermined efforts to improve road safety.

Save the Children stated that this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for Thai lawmakers. "Despite many government initiatives, Thailand’s road death statistics remain alarmingly high," said Guillaume Rachou, a representative of the NGO, in a statement.

𝑼𝒑𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔
According to Samarn, the vehicle lost balance and scr**ed a concrete barrier, possibly causing sparks that ignited the blaze. Early reports from first responders suggested that the front left tyre had blown out, sparking the fire. The driver lost control, and the bus swerved into the median barrier. The flames spread quickly, engulfing the vehicle.

On 2 Oct, Deputy regional police chief Chayanont Meesati stated that an inspection found no evidence of the alleged front tyre explosion. However, the bus’s front-wheel axle was broken, showing signs of scraping against the road surface. He added that a fuel line, carrying gas from the tank to the engine had come loose, caused the leak.

On October 3, Pol Lt Gen Trairong Phiewphan, commander of the Office of Police Forensic Science (OPFS), confirmed that a gas leak at the front of the bus caused the fire, though it remains unclear what triggered the sparks that ignited the gas.

A House committee on transport invited officials from DLT and the Automotive Engineering Bureau (AEB) on Thursday to discuss the cause of the fire and potential solutions.

Cheep Nomsian, director of the AEB, told the House committee that the bus involved was a single-deck vehicle, not a double-decker, and that the emergency door at the rear was functional.

The bus company told ThaiPBS that the vehicle had passed safety standards. The bus, which ran on compressed natural gas (CNG), had 11 gas canisters, although it was permitted to install only six. Chirute Visalachitra, the DLT's director-general, informed the committee that only six of the eleven CNG tanks were registered.

OPFS officers and experts found that the gas leak originated from one of the unregistered tanks, which had not been inspected by engineers. They suspect these unregistered tanks contributed to the rapid spread and intensity of the blaze.

Mr. Jirut added that the registration of Kanittha Chinnaboot as the company’s transport safety manager (TSM) has been revoked, and an investigation into Alternative Resource Engineering Co, which provides gas-fuelled vehicle inspections, is underway. The police are currently investigating to determine accountability.

The Thai government has since ordered an urgent inspection of all 13,426 passenger buses equipped with compressed natural gas (CNG) within 60 days.

“To avoid this kind of tragedy, the department of land transport will recall 13,400 buses using gas and any that do not meet the standard will be seized,” he told reporters, saying the process would take about two months”, said Deputy transport minister Surapong Piyachote.

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Image: The Straits Times / Bangkok Post / BBC News



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