National Parks Dept to introduce fire-resistant clothing for firefighters

1 Oct 19:19 Key points summarised by AI

The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department is developing and testing new fire-resistant clothing for its forest firefighters, with introduction expected next year.
The clothing, including jackets and long-sleeve shirts, utilizes inherently fire-resistant fabric, ensuring lasting protection against sparks and embers, unlike less durable coated materials.
Initially, ten sets will be produced for trial, each estimated at 4,000 baht, to evaluate their effectiveness in real-world firefighting scenarios.
This initiative aligns with the department's early launch of fire prevention operations, anticipating worsened conditions due to El Niño after 480,000 hectares of forests were destroyed last year.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Yesterday 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.