Latest news with #TheNation
The Star
4 hours ago
- Climate
- The Star
Seven northern roads impassable due to impact of storm Wipha
BANGKOK: Seven roads in Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao are impassable due to floods and landslides triggered by storm Wipha, highway officials on high alert. Heavy rainfall brought by the remnants of storm Wipha has caused flash flooding and landslides, rendering seven roads in three northern provinces impassable, the Department of Highways announced on Wednesday (July 23). The department said torrential rains from Wipha—now downgraded to an active low-pressure system over Laos—had affected 29 roads in Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao, with flooding and landslides reported in multiple locations. - Photo: The Nation/ANN As of Wednesday, the following seven roads were impassable: Highway No. 1093 (Khun Huay Krai–Pha Tang Road): Landslide blocked the road between kilometre markers 48+100 and 48+150. Highway No. 1326 (Rong Bua Thong–Sop Pao Road): Road section between KM 12+875 and 13+300 submerged under 10–15 cm of water. Highway No. 101 (Chang Puak Intersection–Pua Road): Section between KM 410+670 and 411+100 under 70 cm of water. Highway No. 1081 (Bo Klua–Chalerm Phrakiart Road): Blocked by landslide between KM 102+975 and 103+025. Highway No. 1081 (Bo Klua–Chalerm Phrakiart Road): Another section blocked by landslide between KM 149+700 and 150+000. Highway No. 1097 (Chiang Klang–Hang Thung Road): Blocked by landslide between KM 7+500 and 7+600. Highway No. 1256 (Pua–Doi Phu Kha National Park Road): Landslide blocked the road between KM 25+000 and 26+000. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Highway authorities on high alert Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Highways, said he had instructed all regional highway offices to deploy personnel and heavy machinery to clear roads and assist motorists in areas affected by landslides or flooding due to Wipha's influence. He added that officials had been assigned to monitor high-risk locations around the clock, and that warning signs would be installed to advise motorists to avoid flooded or blocked routes and use detours where necessary. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
11 hours ago
- Climate
- The Star
Tropical storm Wipha weakens, heavy rain and strong winds expected across Thailand
BANGKOK: Tropical storm Wipha weakens into a depression, but heavy rain and strong winds are still expected in Thailand, with a risk of flash floods and rough seas. The strong southwest monsoon continues to dominate the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, while the monsoon trough stretches across upper Myanmar and upper Laos, the Thai Meteorological Department said on Wednesday (July 23). At the same time, severe tropical storm Wipha has been downgraded to a tropical depression over Xiangkhouang province, Laos, and is expected to weaken further into an active low-pressure system. Despite this, isolated heavy rain and strong winds are still likely across Thailand. The North, Northeast, Central, and East regions may experience very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flash floods and overflows, especially along waterways near foothills and lowlands. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant. In the Andaman Sea, strong winds will cause waves to reach 2–4m in height, and over 3m during thundershowers. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf will see waves of 2–3m, with thundershowers pushing the waves above 3m in some areas. All vessels in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf should proceed with caution and avoid thundershowers. Small boats in these areas should stay ashore. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
a day ago
- Politics
- The Star
Cambodian PM Hun Manet lashes out at Thailand over 'baseless accusations'
PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has taken to social media to deliver a sharp rebuke to Thailand, accusing its political leadership, military, and media of making "baseless accusations" against his nation. The premier's unusual five-point post emerged amidst renewed friction concerning alleged Cambodian interference in Thai internal politics, landmines, and threats of unilateral action in disputed border zones, including the Emerald Triangle and Ta Muean Thom temple. Hun Manet stated that Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of National Defence, and other relevant agencies have already issued direct rebuttals to the allegations, aiming to protect Cambodia's honour. He added that the government is prepared to take "additional necessary measures" to safeguard national interests. "I see no need for lengthy comments, but I would like to offer five brief reminders to the Thai side," the Prime Minister wrote: - In disputed areas or locations where sovereignty is not clearly defined, neither party possesses the right to act unilaterally or implement unilateral measures. All actions must first receive the mutual consent of both parties. - The red line remains a red line. It is not meant to be crossed. Please do not violate it. - Cambodia has not violated anyone, but it will not allow anyone to violate us either. Cambodia possesses sufficient capabilities and is well-prepared to defend itself and protect its territorial integrity by all means if violated. - The method of accusing or blaming others is unethical and insincere. Such methods should not be employed if we genuinely desire to build mutual trust. - Cambodia remains committed to finding solutions to these issues through non-violent means, with the ultimate goal of achieving a swift, clear, and lasting resolution. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Posted then deleted: Cambodian soldier caught on video carrying landmine near border
PHNOM PENH: A leaked footage showing a Cambodian soldier carrying a landmine near the border, has sparked Ottawa Treaty violation claims. A Facebook page specialising in military affairs has released video footage allegedly showing a Cambodian soldier carrying a landmine near the Thai border. The clip was posted on Saturday (July 19) by the "Military News" page, showing what appears to be a Cambodian soldier holding a TM-57 landmine—an anti-tank mine originally developed by the Soviet Union—while patrolling a border area. The footage was reportedly circulated online within Cambodia before being swiftly taken down. - Photo: The Nation/ANN In a recent Cambodian government statement, Phnom Penh reaffirmed its full compliance with the treaty. That statement also highlighted Cambodia's historical suffering from landmine contamination and claimed that under the leadership of former Prime Minister Hun Sen and current Prime Minister Hun Manet, the country has consistently promoted peace and committed itself to a mine-free world. Cambodia, a state party to the Ottawa Convention, has in the past been praised for its mine-clearing efforts and hosted two major international summits on landmine eradication in 2024: the 11th Meeting of States Parties and the 5th Review Conference, dubbed the 'Siem Reap–Angkor Summit on a Mine-Free World.' Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border escalated in July 2025 following an incident in which three Thai soldiers were seriously injured after stepping on landmines while patrolling a disputed area near Chong Bok in Thailand's northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, close to the border with Cambodia. The explosion occurred during a routine patrol by the Royal Thai Army's Suranaree Task Force, which is responsible for securing parts of the border in the Second Army Area. Thai military officials believe the mines were newly planted, as the area had previously been cleared and marked as safe. The type of explosive device—believed to be anti-personnel landmines—sparked serious concerns, particularly because Cambodia is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. The explosion occurred during a routine patrol by the Royal Thai Army's Suranaree Task Force, which is responsible for securing parts of the border in the Second Army Area. Thai military officials believe the mines were newly planted, as the area had previously been cleared and marked as safe. The type of explosive device—believed to be anti-personnel landmines—sparked serious concerns, particularly because Cambodia is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty, which bans the use, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. - The Nation/ANN
The Star
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Thai AirAsia flight hit by hailstorm during descent into Chongqing, China
BANGKOK: A Thai AirAsia flight was struck by hail during descent into Chongqing on Thursday (July 17) causing its nose and cockpit to be damaged. No injuries were reported, but the return flight was delayed. The Facebook page Outsider's Aviation reported on Saturday (July 19) that Thai AirAsia flight FD552 was struck by a severe hailstorm while descending into Chongqing, China. - Photo: The Nation/ANN The flight, operated by an Airbus A320 (registration HS-BBA), had departed Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok on July 17 and encountered turbulent weather shortly before landing at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The aircraft sustained visible damage to its nose cone and cockpit windshield after being battered by hailstones. Passengers and crew on board, totalling more than 147 people, described the aircraft shaking violently during the descent. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Due to the damage, the return flight FD553 from Chongqing to Bangkok was delayed for several hours. Thai AirAsia later issued a statement confirming the incident, adding that the aircraft landed safely and that all affected passengers were provided with accommodation, meals, and ground support. A replacement flight was arranged, arriving safely in Bangkok on July 18. - The Nation/ANN
